Siliguri, 26th February: Illegal arms recovery ahead of the Assembly elections has raised concerns among security agencies in Siliguri after a country-made pistol and live cartridges were seized during naka checking. This marks the second such recovery within a week, intensifying apprehensions over the pre-election atmosphere in the city.
In the latest incident, a plainclothes team of Pradhan Nagar police station under Siliguri Metropolitan Police arrested 21-year-old Rohit Das, a resident of Samar Nagar.
According to police sources, the accused was travelling towards Mallaguri in an e-rickshaw when he came under suspicion during routine checking at Circuit House More. A search led to the recovery of one country-made pistol and live ammunition from his possession.
During preliminary interrogation, the accused reportedly stated that he was on his way to deliver the weapon. A case has been registered against him under the Arms Act, and he was produced before the Siliguri court with a prayer for police remand.
With two recoveries within a week, questions are being raised about a possible larger conspiracy ahead of the elections. Police are now probing the source of the weapon and the intended recipient, as well as the purpose behind its delivery.