Security tightened across districts as police step up surveillance and raids before polls
Murshidabad, April 3: In a series of coordinated operations ahead of the upcoming elections, police in West Bengal have seized firearms and ammunition from multiple districts and arrested several individuals, officials said on Friday. The intensified action comes as part of heightened security measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful and orderly electoral process across the state.
In Murshidabad district, a country-made pistol along with two rounds of ammunition was recovered during a late-night raid in the Sadanandapur area under Hariharpara police station limits on Thursday. The accused, identified as Zillar Sheikh, was arrested during the operation and produced before a court in Berhampore on Friday. Police have sought custody to further investigate the case and determine whether the accused has links to a larger network involved in illegal arms circulation. Officials said the raid was conducted based on specific intelligence inputs and further inquiry is ongoing.
In a separate incident in Bhatpara in North 24 Parganas district, police recovered two firearms and three rounds of cartridges during a search operation carried out early Thursday. Two individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the seizure, and investigations are underway to establish the source and intended use of the weapons.
Meanwhile, in Nadia district, a raid conducted in the Taherpur police station area on Tuesday night led to the recovery of a firearm along with ammunition and sharp weapons. One person has been arrested in that case. Police officials indicated that these recoveries are part of a broader crackdown on illegal arms possession as election preparations gather pace.
Authorities said security has been significantly strengthened across West Bengal in view of the polls, with increased vehicle checks, surveillance, and targeted raids being conducted in identified sensitive areas. Such measures are routinely implemented during election periods in the state, which has witnessed heightened political activity and occasional violence in the past. By seizing illegal weapons and taking preventive action, law enforcement agencies aim to reduce the risk of intimidation and ensure voter safety.
Officials reiterated that investigations in all cases are continuing, with a focus on uncovering any wider networks linked to the seized arms. With the elections drawing closer, police are expected to maintain strict vigilance and continue enforcement drives to support a free and fair voting process.
Input & Images : Hindusthan Samachar
Edited by Madhusudhan Reddy
Last Updated on: Friday, April 3, 2026 7:38 pm by Madhusudhan Reddy | Published by: Madhusudhan Reddy on Friday, April 3, 2026 7:38 pm | News Categories: Trending, India