Why Were Two Individuals Arrested with Firearms in Bengal?
Synopsis
In a significant operation, police in Bengal's Malda district apprehended two individuals with firearms ahead of the Assembly elections. This article delves into the details of the arrests, the recovered arms, and the implications for public safety as the elections approach.
Key Takeaways
15 firearms were recovered in two police operations.
Two individuals were arrested ahead of the Assembly elections.
Police are investigating the source of the arms .
The operations were conducted in Malda district .
There is a concern over illegal arms entering the elections .
Kolkata, Jan 20 (NationPress) Malda Superintendent of Police Abhijit Bandyopadhyay announced on Tuesday that law enforcement in Bengal’s Malda district apprehended two individuals and confiscated a significant amount of firearms and ammunition during two distinct operations in anticipation of the forthcoming Assembly elections.
As stated by SP Bandyopadhyay, acting on credible intelligence, officers from the English Bazar and Kaliachak police stations executed independent raids on Monday night, resulting in the recovery of 15 firearms, eight magazines, and 25 rounds of live ammunition.
In the first operation, a team from the English Bazar police station targeted a local site based on specific information, apprehending a young man discovered with ten pipe guns, one 7 mm pistol, and five rounds of live ammunition, which included one shotgun cartridge.
The detained individual is identified as Moinul Hasan (20), hailing from Mirzadpur under the Lalbagh police station in the adjacent Murshidabad district.
In the subsequent operation, Kaliachak police officers conducted a raid on a shop in the Sujapur area following another tip-off, leading to the recovery of four 7 mm pistols, eight magazines, and 20 rounds of live ammunition.
Police apprehended Mohammad Anarul Haque (45), a resident of Baliharapur under the same police station.
As per SP Bandyopadhyay, Haque has a prior arrest record under the Arms Act.
“Based on confidential information, two individuals were apprehended from the English Bazar and Kaliachak police station regions. A cumulative total of 15 firearms, eight magazines, and 25 rounds of live ammunition were seized from their possession. Legal cases have been registered under relevant sections in both instances, and the arrested individuals were presented before the Malda District Court today with a plea for police custody,” SP Bandyopadhyay remarked.
He further noted that initial investigations indicate that the suspects had acquired the firearms for selling purposes. Police are currently investigating the origins of the weapons seized in English Bazar and are identifying possible recipients. The four 7 mm pistols recovered from Kaliachak are believed to have originated from Bihar, he stated.
“We will pursue further investigations by taking the detained individuals into police custody,” SP Bandyopadhyay concluded.
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Point of View
The recent arrests in Bengal serve as a stark reminder of the challenges related to public safety and illegal arms. The proactive measures taken by the police demonstrate their commitment to ensuring a secure environment for the electoral process.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What weapons were seized during the police operations?
A total of 15 firearms, including 10 pipe guns and 4 7 mm pistols, along with 25 rounds of live ammunition and 8 magazines were seized.
Who were the individuals arrested?
The arrested individuals are Moinul Hasan, aged 20, and Mohammad Anarul Haque, aged 45.
What was the reason for the police raids?
The raids were conducted based on confidential information regarding illegal arms possession in anticipation of the upcoming Assembly elections.
Are the arrested individuals linked to any criminal history?
Yes, Mohammad Anarul Haque has a prior arrest record under the Arms Act.
What steps are being taken for further investigation?
Police are investigating the source of the seized firearms and identifying potential recipients as part of the ongoing inquiry.
