Siliguri, 26th October: Railway police foiled an alleged attempt to smuggle firearms by train during the festive season and arrested two youths following a joint operation at New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station on Sunday night.
According to information received, the Special Operations Group of Siliguri Government Railway Police (GRP) and plainclothes personnel of NJP GRP launched the operation following a tip-off. When the down Vivek Express arrived at Platform No. 06, police conducted a search of the train and detained two youths on suspicion.
A search of their school bags allegedly led to the recovery of firearms. The accused were identified as Rohan Kumar, 20, and Guddu Kumar, 19, both residents of Bihar.
According to NJP GRP sources, the two had travelled by train from Alipurduar to NJP and allegedly planned to board the Vivek Express for Kishanganj. Preliminary investigations suggest that they intended to collect firearms in Kishanganj and transport them by train to Khagaria in Bihar.
Police suspect the firearms were being transported for sale. The two accused were produced before the Jalpaiguri court on Monday, where NJP GRP sought their remand.
The investigation is underway to determine the source of the firearms and identify others who may be involved in the alleged smuggling network.
