CID recovers huge cache of explosives in Bankura

Kolkata: The state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has seized a huge quantity of explosive materials from Saltora in Bankura. However, CID sleuths were unable to secure any arrest as the accused persons had fled the scene just before police arrived.

According to CID sources, sleuths got a tip on Wednesday that a huge quantity of explosive materials was being stored somewhere in Saltora. Working on the information, sleuths came to know about a village called Kastora in Saltora in the evening.

Immediately, a CID team assisted by local police raided the village. During the search operation a warehouse was found, which was filled with sacks and cartons.

After opening the cartons, sleuths were stunned to see the explosive materials. The CID team also spotted an abandoned SUV and a bike near the warehouse. During the ensuing search and seizure procedure, a huge consignment of explosives was recovered.

During documentation, CID personnel found 52,500 pieces of electric detonators, 106 cartons of gelatin sticks (power gel) and 133 sacks of ammonium nitrate. The abandoned SUV and bike were also seized. Sleuths are trying to identify the owners of the vehicles.

During investigation sleuths came to know that the explosive materials were being procured from Orissa, Telangana and Jharkhand. It is suspected that the explosive materials might have been procured for use in illegal stone quarries. However, all aspects are being checked to ascertain whether any anti-national movement was being organised in the area.