Pistols seized along Indo-Bangla border in Malda

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Pistols seized along Indo-Bangla border in Malda

KOLKATA: After narcotics and Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN), the Indo-Bangladesh border along Kaliachak and Baishnavnagar in Malda is fast emerging as a transit route for illegal arms. Over the last few weeks, the Border Security Force (BSF) has seized several arms consignments being smuggled into Bangladesh. Some of these could be for members of banned outfits like the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), security agencies suspect. The latest seizure was made on Friday when BSF troops recovered two country-made pistols, four magazines and five rounds of ammunition near Churiantpur.

"The country-made automatic pistols were probably made in Munger in Bihar and were being sent across the border to Bangladesh. On Friday evening, troops of the 24Bn BSF from BOP Churiantpur received a tip-off regarding gunrunning activity. During a special joint operation with the police, two groups were seen approaching a mandir from the Churiantpur and Gulapganj sides. The two groups met near the mandir and were challenged by the security personnel. The miscreants managed to escape due to poor visibility and waterlogging. While escaping they dropped a cloth bag that was retrieved by the troops. The two guns, magazines and cartridges were found inside," a senior BSF officer said.

Matters don't pass as peacefully on all occasions though. On October 4 this year, troops of the 36Bn BSF posted at BOP Daulatpur, in the Baishnavnagar police station area, encountered a group of miscreants moving towards the International Border. The group approached the troops in a menacing manner when challenged forcing a jawan to open fire with his pump action gun. On hearing the report, the miscreants finally took to their heels, leaving behind four countrymade pistols. Another pistol was seized from Daultapur on September 27. In 2016, the BSF's South Bengal Frontier apprehended seven weapons smugglers and seized 22 air guns, six pistols and 35 country made pistols close to the border.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...ngla-border-in-Malda/articleshow/54868497.cms