Large cache of bombs, gun recovered in Bhangar ahead of Assembly polls

A large cache of live bombs and a firearm was recovered from Bhangar in South 24 Parganas district ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal, triggering tension in the area. Acting on a tip-off, police from North Kashipur police station conducted a raid in Baniyara village and seized several live explosives along with a “long shutter” gun, officials said.

The recovery comes just a day before the formal inauguration of the new Vijayganj Bazar Police Station, which is being carved out of the existing North Kashipur police station jurisdiction. Even before the new station becomes operational, police received specific intelligence inputs about the stockpile allegedly hidden in the locality.

Given the seriousness of the situation, a large contingent of police personnel rushed to the spot and cordoned off Baniyara village and adjoining areas. The bomb disposal squad has been alerted to safely defuse the recovered explosives. Authorities are maintaining strict vigil in the region to prevent any untoward incident.

Police have launched an investigation to ascertain who stored the explosives and weapon in the area and for what purpose, particularly in the run-up to the elections. While no arrests have been made so far, raids are underway to trace those involved. Security arrangements in the region have been further intensified following the seizure.