Suspected explosives, banned chemicals found in car in Bengal’s Duttapukur; owner arrested
Suspected explosives and banned chemicals were recovered from a car on Jessore Road in Duttapukur, North 24 Parganas, late Wednesday night, prompting a search operation involving the National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Security Guard (NSG), forensic experts and local police.
The car’s owner, Rakibul Islam, who runs a motorcycle showroom business, has been arrested and is being questioned as investigators examine whether the materials were intended for subversive activities.
A senior officer of the Barasat Police District said explosive-like substances and banned chemicals had been found in the vehicle.
Officials are conducting further tests to establish the exact nature and potency of the suspected explosives.
STF acts on intelligence, vehicle intercepted
The Times of India, citing sources, reported the Special Task Force (STF) had received intelligence about suspicious materials inside a car parked in the Tetultala area of Duttapukur.
The STF subsequently kept the vehicle under surveillance before intercepting it on Wednesday night. Rakibul was detained for questioning and later arrested.
Investigators suspect the materials may have been intended for transportation to Kolkata, although their intended destination and purpose have not yet been established.
The recovered items reportedly included explosive-like substances and iron mesh rods. Forensic examination is expected to determine the composition of the materials and whether they posed an immediate threat.
Probe into source of materials, possible links
Investigators are trying to establish where the materials came from, who may have instructed Rakibul to transport them and whether other individuals were involved.
Barasat Police District Superintendent J. Mercy confirmed that the investigation was underway and that the suspected explosives were being examined.
“The investigation is underway. The nature of the explosives is being examined. The accused has already been arrested. Further details can be provided after the investigation progresses,” she said.
Past showroom blast under scrutiny
Police sources said Rakibul had reportedly left his car-repair business around a decade ago and subsequently entered the motorcycle showroom business.
He currently operates four showrooms in areas including Tetultala and Bira in Duttapukur, as well as Berachampa in Deganga.
Investigators are also expected to examine reports of an explosion at a motorcycle showroom in Amdanga, allegedly owned by Rakibul, a few years ago.
Whether that incident has any connection to the latest recovery remains unclear.
According to Times of India's sources, the car had been parked beside the Road King showroom on Tetultala Road in Duttapukur for the past two days before the operation.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials have yet to establish the intended use of the recovered materials or whether the case involves a wider network.
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