Kolkata, Nov 10 (IANS) Several firearms and at least 150 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the police outpost (TOP) near the Indian Oil Underpass adjacent to the New Jalpaiguri railway station on Tuesday.
The large quantity of arms found in such a populated area and so close to the police outpost has spread panic in the area.
Rana Mukherjee, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) (East) of Siliguri Police Commissionerate, said, “Firearms and ammunition were recovered in a bag in the NJP area. Who or what kept them there and for what reason, everything is being investigated.”
According to local sources, a passer-by named Nitai Shil first saw a suspicious bag lying next to the TOP this morning. When he opened the bag a little, he saw a firearm and a lot of cartridges.
The NJP police station was immediately informed. On receiving the information, the NJP police reached the spot and recovered the bag filled with firearms and cartridges.
Subhash Sahani, an eyewitness present at the spot, expressed his panic and said, “We went out for a walk in the morning and suddenly saw a crowd here. Guns and cartridges were recovered from inside the bag. It is not the job of ordinary people like us to catch or see these, so we immediately informed the police.”
He further expressed concern and said, “There is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station and an important Indian Oil Corporation office there. We are afraid of who left these weapons in such an important populated area and for what purpose. Such things lying on the road are very worrying for security. The police administration should take the matter seriously and conduct a proper investigation immediately.”
The incidents of violence by miscreants in this area adjacent to Indian Oil and NJP are not new. The NJP police have started a vigorous investigation to find out who left this bag and whether there was any major sabotage plan.
–IANS
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