Foreign-Made Explosives Seized in Sandeshkhali During CBI Raids, NSG Bomb Squad Deployed

Sandeshkhali: In response to a credible bomb threat and the discovery of foreign rifles, the National Security Guard (NSG) has initiated a comprehensive operation in Sandeshkhali. The heightened security measures in Sandeshkhali come on the heels of a significant arms seizure in the region. To ensure the safety of residents and neutralize potential threats, the NSG team have begun evacuating villagers from the entire region. As part of the evacuation protocol, all cars and homes are being cleared, with residents urged to vacate the area promptly. The real operation, however, is slated to commence after sunset. As locals are evacuated, electricity has been disconnected. NSG is also conducting comprehensive 360-degree videography.

CBI raids underway: What we know so far

- Foreign weapons and bombs recovered underground in Sandeshkhali during a CBI operation.

- The recovered items were found at the residence of Abu Taleb Molla, a relative of panchayat member Hafizul Kha.

- The Election Commission has requested a detailed report on the recovery of weapons from Sandeshkhali.

- More NSG commandos are en route to Sandeshkhali from the eastern NSG headquarters in North Bengal via helicopter.

- Electricity has been cut off in the entire area amidst fears of a bunker beneath the house.

- Two sniffer dogs have been deployed to the location.

- Villagers are being evacuated, along with their cars and homes, as a precautionary measure.

- The real operation is scheduled to commence after sunset, with the NSG preparing light and night vision cameras for nocturnal operations.

- Multiple houses will be searched using robotic assistance, with locals evacuated from the entire area.

- 360-degree videography is being conducted by the NSG for comprehensive surveillance.

- Soldiers suspect the presence of a bunker inside the house, with concerns of potential IEDs underground.

- Additional teams, including more CRPF personnel, have been deployed to ensure the security of external areas.

- Specially requisitioned sniffer dogs of officer rank have been brought in to assist in the operation.

Watch | NSG teams reach Sandeshkhali 

CBI seizes arms and ammunition in Sandeshkhali 

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has unearthed a substantial quantity of arms and ammunitions, including foreign-made pistols and revolvers, during extensive searches conducted in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas. The operation is part of an ongoing investigation into violence directed at Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials during a raid at the residential and official premises of TMC’s Shahjahan Sheikh.

The agency launched a probe into the violence against ED personnel, with information suggesting that lost items from the ED team and other incriminating evidence might be concealed at the residence of an associate of Shahjahan Sheikh.

During the meticulously executed searches at two premises in the village, the CBI, accompanied by CRPF personnel, made a startling discovery:

1. Three foreign-made revolvers.

2. One Indian revolver.

3. One Colt official police revolver.

4. One foreign-made pistol.

5. One country-made pistol.

6. 120 9mm bullets.

7. 50 .45 caliber cartridges.

8. 120 9mm caliber cartridges.

9. 50 .380 cartridges.

10. 8 .32 cartridges.

Additionally, the investigative team recovered numerous incriminating documents linked to Shahjahan Sheikh. Moreover, items suspected to be country-made bombs have been found, with disposal being handled by specialized teams from the National Security Guard (NSG).

The search operation remains ongoing as authorities continue their efforts to uncover any further evidence pertinent to the case. 

(With inputs from R Bangla)