Birbhum, 14 February (H.S.):

A large quantity of explosives has been recovered from Nalhati in Birbhum, raising fears of a major conspiracy ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal. A large quantity of explosives has been recovered from Nalhati area of Birbhum district. The police seized approximately 50 kilograms of ammonium nitrate and 500 gelatin sticks from a motorcycle on Saturday. One person has been arrested in connection with the case.

According to police sources, while patrolling Khapur Canal area of Banior Panchayat under Nalhati police station, the police stopped and searched a suspicious motorcycle. A large quantity of explosives was being transported hidden in sacks under a blanket tied to the back of the bike. The rider was arrested on the spot, and the motorcycle and explosives were seized.

The arrested accused has been identified as Chandu Let, a resident of Radipur village in the Rampurhat police station area. Preliminary investigations revealed that the explosives were being transported from Rampurhat to the stone industry area in Nalhati.

The police said that given the size of the explosives, it is being considered not just an illegal trade, but a potential subversive activity.The police are also investigating whether any organized gang or outside elements are involved in this explosive smuggling. They are also trying to determine whether Bengal was being used as a corridor for explosive smuggling.

Nalhati police station has registered a case and initiated an investigation. The arrested accused is being questioned to gather information about other members of the network and a possible conspiracy.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey