Kolkata Police Uncover Large Cash Reserves and Firearms Ahead of Elections
Synopsis
As the Assembly elections approach in West Bengal, Kolkata Police have intensified their efforts to crack down on unaccounted cash and illegal firearms, resulting in significant seizures. This operation reveals the city's ongoing struggle with election-related corruption.
Key Takeaways
Kolkata Police are actively cracking down on unaccounted cash ahead of elections.
A total of Rs 18,24,000 in cash has been seized.
Firearms were also recovered during operations.
Investigations are underway to trace the origins of the seized money.
Arrests have been made in connection with illegal firearms.
Kolkata, April 12 (NationPress) In the lead-up to the two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal, law enforcement is actively seizing unaccounted cash and firearms across various locations in Kolkata, as reported by a senior police official on Sunday.
From Friday evening to Saturday evening, the police's Flying Squad (FS) confiscated large sums of cash during naka checking operations at approximately four locations in Kolkata. The amounts recovered varied between Rs four lakh and Rs seven lakh for each incident, culminating in a total seizure of Rs 18,24,000. In addition to cash, the police also confiscated firearms.
The police detailed the recoveries made within a 24-hour period.
On Friday evening, around 7:45 p.m., a significant amount of cash was discovered in a car during a naka check at Park Street crossing. Officers from the Static Surveillance Team (SST) accompanied the Park Street police during the operation, uncovering Rs 6,96,000 in cash, which was subsequently taken to the Park Street police station. Investigations are underway to trace the origins of the money and its intended destination.
On Saturday morning, near Garden Reach Crossing, the Flying Squad (FS) discovered another substantial amount of cash from a vehicle. Upon stopping and searching the car, officers found a brown packet containing Rs 2,18,000. The police are currently investigating the source and purpose of this money.
Additionally, cash totaling Rs 4,10,000 was seized from another car that was stopped in front of Nature Park on Taratala Road.
In a separate incident near the Joka tram depot, the SST found a bag filled with cash in a car carrying five passengers. During the search, officers discovered ten bundles of 500 rupee notes, amounting to Rs five lakh.
Moreover, during a tip-off operation, the Cossipore police raided a location in Maniktala, North Kolkata, where they recovered a country-made pistol hidden under the bed of a resident named Asgar Ali Mollah. Following his inability to provide satisfactory answers regarding the firearm, the police took him into custody.
Point of View
The recent seizure of unaccounted cash and firearms in Kolkata underscores the critical need for transparency and accountability in the electoral process. As the Assembly elections loom, such actions by law enforcement serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges related to electoral integrity in the region.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the cash and firearm seizures in Kolkata?
The seizures are part of a pre-election crackdown by the Kolkata Police to combat unaccounted cash and illegal firearms ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal.
How much cash was seized during the police operations?
A total of Rs 18,24,000 was seized across various operations, with individual amounts ranging from Rs four lakh to Rs seven lakh.
Were any arrests made during these operations?
Yes, a resident named Asgar Ali Mollah was arrested after a country-made pistol was found during a police raid in Maniktala.
What is the significance of these seizures?
The recoveries highlight the ongoing issue of corruption and illegal activities linked to electoral processes in West Bengal.
Is there an ongoing investigation regarding the seized money?
Yes, the police are investigating the origins of the seized cash and its intended use.
