Undercover police nab two men with firearm and live ammunition in Siliguri

New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Police successfully apprehended two youths involved in the illegal arms trade in Siliguri. The operation took place on Tuesday afternoon following a high-stakes surveillance mission by plainclothes officers. Acting on a precise tip-off, the police team intercepted the suspects in the Chobavita area, where they were reportedly waiting to finalize a deal for the sale of a firearm.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Rajib Dutta and Sanat Barman, both hailing from the Paschim Dhantala locality. According to police sources, the duo attempted to flee the scene as soon as they realized they were being surrounded by undercover officers. However, the NJP police personnel managed to overpower them after a brief chase. A subsequent search of the suspects led to the recovery of a functional firearm along with live ammunition, which was intended for immediate distribution.

The investigation has revealed that Sanat Barman is a habitual offender with a notorious criminal record. He has been previously linked to several firearm-related cases and had been arrested in the past for similar activities. His involvement suggests a deeper network of illegal weapon smuggling that the police are now working to dismantle. Given the sensitive timing of the upcoming assembly elections, the recovery of firearms has put the local administration on high alert to prevent any potential political violence.

The two accused were produced before the Jalpaiguri court on Wednesday morning, where the police sought their custody for further interrogation. The authorities are currently tracing the source of the seized weapon and identifying potential buyers in the Siliguri-Jalpaiguri belt.