Police foil major robbery plot in Malda, arrest 4 with arms

Police in the English Bazar police station area arrested four suspects while allegedly planning a robbery near the truck parking area at Gour Banga station late Monday night. Acting on a tip-off, officers from the RT mobile duty team raided the location around 12:55 AM, recovering a loaded country-made pipe gun, live cartridges, sharp weapons, an iron rod, and a nylon rope. The district police have launched a manhunt to track down the remaining suspects who managed to escape under the cover of darkness.

SP Pradeep Yadav confirmed the arrests on Wednesday, stating that intelligence had indicated the presence of eight to nine individuals suspected of planning a major robbery in the area. "Our team responded immediately, surrounded the location, and successfully apprehended four accused," he said. Police are interrogating the arrested individuals to determine their criminal background and potential links to other offenses. Officials suspect that the gang was targeting transport vehicles or local businesses, given the weapons and tools recovered.

Security measures have been tightened in the region, with increased patrolling and surveillance in crime-prone zones. Authorities are analyzing CCTV footage and gathering intelligence to track the absconding suspects. The seized arms and equipment have been sent for forensic examination, and legal proceedings against the arrested individuals are underway.