Why Was a Trinamool Councillor Arrested with Firearms Before Boarding a Flight?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Trinamool Congress Councillor arrested with firearms at Kolkata airport.
- Discovery of a magazine and cartridges raised serious security concerns.
- Incident coincided with a shooting at a nearby gym.
- Investigation underway by local police.
- Public safety and political accountability are under scrutiny.
Kolkata, Sep 21 (NationPress) A Trinamool Congress Councillor was apprehended with a magazine and six rounds of cartridges concealed in his luggage while attempting to board a domestic flight at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata on Sunday.
The individual in question has been identified as Sheikh Aminul Islam, a Councillor representing Ward Number 14 of Pujali municipality in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.
He was preparing to take a domestic flight to Mumbai.
Following the scanning of his baggage, security personnel at the airport detected metallic items within his luggage.
The Councillor was promptly separated from the area, and a thorough inspection of his baggage was conducted, resulting in the discovery of a magazine and six rounds of 7.65 cartridges.
When questioned, the Councillor failed to provide credible explanations for possessing the cartridges and magazine, nor could he produce any legal documentation authorizing their transport.
Consequently, he was arrested and transferred to the local police station.
An investigation into the matter has commenced.
Although a report was filed, there has been no response from the Trinamool Congress leadership regarding this incident.
Coincidentally, on Sunday morning, a shooting incident occurred at a gym in the Charu Market area of south Kolkata, where two unidentified individuals wearing raincoats and helmets entered and discharged several rounds from their firearms.
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported.
After firing, the two assailants fled the scene.
The police have initiated an investigation into this incident as well and suspect that the gym owner may have been the intended target.