Three 'outsiders' nabbed in connection with Raiganj unrest

Kolkata: Three "outsiders" were arrested on Thursday in connection with the incident at Raiganj in North Dinajpur.

It may be recalled that bullets were fired in the air, bombs were hurled and many shops were ransacked at Raiganj, following a clash before the filling of nomination on Wednesday.

Preliminary investigation had revealed that "hired persons from outside" were involved in the incident and the police had initiated legal steps in this connection.

Three "outsiders" were arrested in this connection from Raiganj. Police said that all the three arrested persons are residents of different places in Malda, including Chanchal.

A senior police officer said that they were arrested along with firearms and the police are further probing in this connection. The investigating officers are trying to find out who had brought them to Raiganj from Malda. The police are in search of other people who were also allegedly involved in the incident.

It may be mentioned that some outsiders were arrested at Asansol as well.

It may be recalled that the police have intensified vigil after becoming sure that efforts were on to bring in people from outside, with an intention of creating trouble in the state during the Panchayat polls.

Security check points have been set up at the entry and exit points from the neighbouring states and the police are undertaking round-the-clock checking at these points.

The police have so far made 2,261 preventive arrests all across the state. At the same time, based on specific complaints, police have conducted search operations and arrested 298 people and 568 warrants have been executed. Firearms and ammunitions were also seized.

A senior police officer said that instructions have been given on Thursday as well, to superintendents of police and commissioners of different commissionerates, to intensify vigil in their respective areas.

The officer confirmed that additional forces are also being pressed into action at different places.

The police said that the nomination process has continued without any trouble and all the political parties have managed to file their nominations without facing any inconvenience.