Two youths were arrested on Republic Day for firing gunshots in the air during a picnic at Bhavagachi, under Shibdaspur police station in Naihati. The suspects, identified as Surjit Halder and Pradip Barman, were detained by the police after local residents reported hearing the gunshots. A 7mm pistol was recovered from the suspects, who allegedly used it to fire the shots.
The two arrested individuals claimed that the gunshots were fired out of fun, with the intention of scaring away mosquitoes. Following the incident, local residents immediately informed the authorities, prompting the police to rush to the site. The suspects were arrested on the spot, and later brought before the Baranagar court. Police have requested a seven-day remand to further investigate the matter.
This incident comes on the heels of a similar event in Malda, where several shots were fired into the air during the inauguration of a volleyball tournament. The incidents have raised questions regarding the widespread presence of firearms and their easy access in the region. Police are investigating how the firearms used in both incidents were obtained. In addition, local residents in Naihati have raised concerns over the presence of illegal activities, including gambling, alcohol, and drug use, in the area. Many have called for increased measures to address public safety concerns.