Ahead of Bengal polls, Kolkata cops arrest arms trafficker, seize illegal weapons

The Kolkata Police’s Special Task Force (STF) on Saturday arrested a suspected arms trafficker from Bihar, in a step aimed at checking the inflow of illegal weapons during the ongoing election season.

Acting on specific intelligence, STF officers carried out an operation near Rajabazar Science College Market and arrested 43-year-old Sohail Akhtar from Nalanda, Bihar, at around 1:05 pm.

The operation led to the recovery of six country-made single-shot pistols and fourteen live 8mm cartridges. Additionally, materials suggesting a broader distribution network were seized.

Moreover, Akhtar could not produce any legal permits for the weapons. A case has been registered against Akhtar under Sections 25(1B)(a)/29 of the Arms Act and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Investigators are now tracing the financial trail and identifying local contacts who were supposed to receive the consignment. Security at the city's borders has been further tightened following the seizure.

His arrest is seen as a significant step forward in the Election Commission's goal of ensuring a free and fair election by preventing the flow of illegal firearms into West Bengal.

The state will vote in two phases on April 23 and 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 4.

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