Agartala, May 8: In a significant security operation, authorities in Tripura have seized eight pistols and 16 empty magazines from the Tripura Sundari Express at the Agartala railway station. This discovery raises serious concerns about illegal arms trafficking in the region.
The Government Railway Police (GRP) and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) conducted a routine inspection of the train, which connects the northeastern state of Tripura to Firozpur in Punjab, when they stumbled upon the unclaimed bags containing the firearms. According to BK Sinha, Assistant Commandant of the RPF, the search revealed that each bag contained four pistols and eight magazines.
"We spotted two bags during a routine inspection. Each bag contained four pistols and eight magazines. These were seized from the Tripura Sundari Express coming from Firozpur (in Punjab)," Sinha reported to the media.
Following the seizure, a formal case was registered at the Government Railway Police Station. Tapash Das, Officer-in-Charge of the Agartala railway station, confirmed that the pistols were factory-made and smaller in size than standard 9 mm service revolvers. Importantly, no live ammunition was found in the bags.
"We believe that miscreants might have brought these, and we shall monitor the footage from CCTVs installed at the railway station premises. We will bring those involved in this to justice," Das stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
This incident is not an isolated one. Tripura has recently witnessed a spate of arrests involving Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas connected to drug and arms trafficking. The region, which shares an 856 km border with Bangladesh, has become a focal point for illegal activities, prompting authorities to ramp up security measures.
In response to the alarming trend, directives have been issued to intensify security protocols on long-distance trains. The RPF, in coordination with the GRP and the Border Security Force (BSF), has begun conducting joint patrols in sensitive areas along the India-Bangladesh border.
Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Northeast Frontier Railway, highlighted the importance of these joint patrols. "The collaborative efforts were undertaken with a spirit of inter-agency coordination and vigilance," he said, noting that the patrols are aimed at enhancing surveillance and deterring any untoward incidents along railway tracks that run close to international boundaries.
With the railway network in Tripura being a potential conduit for illegal arms and trafficking, security measures have become paramount. The RPF is working closely with the BSF to monitor areas that have seen increased activity from individuals attempting to cross the border illegally.
Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas have frequently been apprehended at the Agartala railway station as they attempt to migrate to other parts of India in search of jobs or other opportunities. This has prompted the BSF to intensify surveillance along the India-Bangladesh border using advanced technology and electronic gadgets.
The seizure of firearms from the Tripura Sundari Express underscores the urgent need for heightened security in the region. With illegal arms trafficking posing a significant threat, authorities are determined to prevent any potential misuse of these weapons.
"The nature of the weapons and the manner of their arrival point toward a potentially malicious objective behind their transportation," Das remarked, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
As investigations continue, security footage from the station’s CCTV system is being analyzed to identify the individuals responsible for leaving the bags on the train. The GRP and RPF have expressed their commitment to ensuring the safety of railway assets and passengers, especially in light of recent events.
The implications of this incident extend beyond the immediate seizure of firearms. It raises questions about the effectiveness of current security measures and the ability of authorities to combat illegal activities in the region. As Tripura grapples with these challenges, the collaboration between law enforcement agencies will be critical in addressing the ongoing threats.
In conclusion, the seizure of firearms from the Tripura Sundari Express serves as a stark reminder of the persistent issues of arms trafficking and illegal immigration in the region. Authorities are on high alert and are taking proactive steps to enhance security measures in response to this alarming trend.
