Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, December 4, 2024 Hooghly : In a major breakthrough, eight criminals from Jharkhand were arrested in West Bengal’s Hooghly district on Monday night, following a joint operation by local police and the Special Task Force (STF). The police recovered firearms, ammunition, two vehicles, and various robbery tools from the suspects, who had reportedly gathered in the Janai Chikrand area of Chanditala with the intent to commit a robbery.
The operation unfolded after the STF received a tip-off regarding the presence of a group of armed miscreants in the area. Acting on this information, the Chanditala police, in collaboration with the STF, swiftly conducted a raid. The police apprehended the suspects, who were found in possession of three pistols, 15 rounds of ammunition, and several vehicle number plates, some of which were linked to Jharkhand.
During a press conference at the Superintendent of Police (Rural) office in Hooghly, Superintendent of Police Kamnashis Sen confirmed that the arrested individuals were planning to carry out a robbery. “The criminals had gathered with the specific purpose of committing a robbery. The arrested suspects include Sajjad Alam (28), Bikki Gaur Thakur (28), Shahid Ali (36), and Sagar Prasad (36), all of whom are from Jharkhand. In addition, Sanatan Garai (33), Kajal Bauri (37), Alam Ansari (40), and Raju Chowdhury (40), all residents of Purulia, were arrested. The police seized two 7mm pistols, a pipe gun, a magazine, two vehicles—a Bolero car and a motorcycle, both with Jharkhand number plates—along with iron rods, lock-breaking tools, and other materials used for criminal activities.”
The police also found several items typically associated with robberies, including bhojali (a traditional weapon) and lock-breaking devices. Authorities have registered a case against the suspects under various sections, including the Arms Act, and they will be interrogated in police custody. The investigation will focus on uncovering the group’s past criminal activities and connections.
“The criminals are suspected to have been involved in several robberies along the border areas of Jharkhand and Bengal. They are part of a larger criminal syndicate that operates in these regions,” Superintendent Sen added. He assured the public that the police would investigate the extent of the group’s criminal activities and any possible linkages to larger, organized crime networks.
The successful operation highlights the growing collaboration between local police and the STF in tackling cross-border crime in West Bengal, especially in areas that have witnessed an increase in criminal activity in recent months.
Authorities have vowed to continue their efforts to dismantle such criminal networks, which often operate in the border areas, and have urged the public to remain vigilant. Further investigation is ongoing to uncover any additional crimes the group may have committed in the past.