STF seizes arms cache in Kolkata ahead of Bengal polls, one detained

Days ahead of the two-phase Assembly polls in West Bengal, the Kolkata Police’s Special Task Force (STF) seized a cache of arms and ammunition near the Rajabazar Science College area and detained a suspect, officials said on Saturday.

Acting on specific inputs, STF personnel intercepted a man carrying a bag near a bus stand. Upon searching him, they recovered six single-shot firearms and 14 cartridges , raising concerns over possible attempts to disrupt the electoral process.

Officials said the detained individual is currently being questioned , and investigators are working to determine the source of the weapons, their intended destination, and the identity of the recipients . As of now, no confirmed political links or affiliations of the suspect have been established , though authorities have not ruled out any angle and are continuing their probe.

The seizure comes amid heightened security arrangements across the state , with police intensifying vehicle checks and setting up roadblocks at key locations to prevent the illegal movement of arms and cash ahead of the polls.

In recent days, enforcement agencies have also reported significant recoveries of unaccounted cash . The Kolkata Police’s South East Division seized around ₹25 lakh from a vehicle in the Ballygunge Assembly constituency on Friday. In a separate operation, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) recovered over ₹72 lakh near Howrah station and detained two suspects during a search operation in the railway yard area.

Officials said surveillance has been stepped up across sensitive zones to ensure free and fair elections, with a focus on curbing unlawful activities that could influence voters.

West Bengal is scheduled to vote in two phases on April 23 and April 29 , with the counting of votes set for May 4 .