Italian-made Pistol and Ammunition Seized Near Agartala Airport
Agartala Airport Police seized an Italian-made pistol and 14 rounds of ammunition during a midnight raid in Bhagalpur. One man has been detained.
In a high-stakes midnight operation, the Agartala Airport Police successfully intercepted a cache of illegal weaponry and ammunition during a targeted raid in the Bhagalpur area. The crackdown, conducted on Wednesday night, led to the recovery of a factory-made firearm and live rounds, prompting the detention of a local resident.
Midnight Raid in Bhagalpur
The operation was triggered by specific confidential intelligence suggesting that contraband items were being stored in a residential property near the Agartala Airport. Acting swiftly on this tip-off, the Agartala Airport Police formed a specialized team to execute the search. To ensure the integrity of the operation, the police cordoned off the residence and conducted the search in the presence of local witnesses.
The search yielded significant results when officers opened a trunk located within the house. Inside, they discovered:
- A factory-made 7.65 mm pistol, which is reportedly manufactured in Italy.
- 14 rounds of live ammunition.
- A magazine for the firearm.
- Firearm-cleaning accessories, including gun-cleaning oil.
One Detained as Investigation Intensifies
The police have detained one individual, identified as Santosh Biswas, in connection with the seizure. According to the Officer-in-Charge of Agartala Airport Police Station, Naru Gopal Deb, a case has been officially registered against Biswas under the relevant provisions of the Arms Act.
While Biswas has identified himself as a daily-wage labourer, his involvement in the illegal arms trade is currently under scrutiny. Preliminary checks at the Agartala Airport Police Station suggest he has no prior criminal record at this specific station, but investigators are now scouring records from other jurisdictions to determine if he has a history of legal issues elsewhere.
Forensic Teams and Legal Formalities
To ensure a foolproof investigation, the police summoned an Executive Magistrate and a team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to the scene. The forensic experts conducted a thorough examination of the seized items and the premises in the presence of local residents to complete the necessary legal formalities.
The police are now focusing their investigation on several critical questions:
- What was the original source of the Italian-made pistol?
- How did the firearm and ammunition come into the possession of the detainee?
- Are there other individuals or networks involved in the smuggling or storage of these weapons?
As the investigation progresses, authorities are working to uncover the full extent of the operation and whether this seizure is linked to a larger criminal syndicate operating in the region.