Kolkata, 18 March (H.S.): A huge quantity of explosives was recovered from West Bengal’s Birbhum district just days after the notification for the Assembly elections, triggering concern in the area, police said on Wednesday.

According to reports, villagers in Kadasir village under Nalhati police station limits intercepted a tractor loaded with explosives on Tuesday night. They later alerted the police, who reached the spot and seized both the vehicle and the explosive materials.

Police said the seized consignment included around 10,000 gelatin sticks and 360 detonators. No arrests have been made so far in connection with the incident.

Local residents said the tractor was moving through the village road on Tuesday night when they became suspicious and stopped it. Sensing trouble, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the spot.

When the villagers checked the tractor, they were shocked to find a large quantity of explosives inside, leading to panic in the locality. Police were immediately informed and subsequently took custody of the explosives and began an investigation.

Questions are being raised about who was transporting the explosives, for what purpose, and where they were being taken. Nalhati police have started a detailed probe into the matter.

The recovery of explosives ahead of the elections has created tension in the area, with local residents demanding a thorough investigation and strict action against those responsible. The Election Commission has also taken cognisance of the matter and sought a detailed report from the district police.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh