Security forces recover firearms caches in Sundarbans and West Bengal

Security forces in Bangladesh and India have recovered significant caches of firearms and ammunition following intelligence from surrendered individuals.

In the Sundarbans, members of the Special Response Battalion recovered 14 firearms, 274 rounds of live ammunition, seven walkie-talkie sets, and six bulletproof jackets. The equipment had been buried in the forest for several months. The recovery followed the surrender of 15 members of the Alif Bahini robber gang on October 9 near the Ar Pangasia River. Authorities are currently investigating arms suppliers and extortionists in Satkhira, Koyra, Dacope, and Patuakhali.

In West Bengal, India, a joint team including the Purulia District Police, Counter Insurgency Force, and Central Reserve Police Force unearthed a cache in the Bandwan forests near the Jharkhand border. The recovery included three .315 rifles, a .38 revolver, and 36 rounds of ammunition. The operation was prompted by information obtained during the interrogation of three surrendered Maoists. Security agencies have intensified surveillance in the region to determine if the weapons were intended for future operations.