5 Katihar Residents Arrested with Guns and Ammo in Chanchal, West Bengal
Chanchal, Malda, March 25, 2026 — In a major operational success against inter-state weapons smuggling, the Malda District Police intercepted a cross-border criminal module, arresting five individuals hailing from neighboring Bihar.
Malda Superintendent of Police (SP) Anupam Singh (IPS) officially briefed the media regarding the crackdown, confirming the seizure of multiple illegal firearms and live ammunition during the operation.
The Intelligence and Interception
The successful bust was the result of swift police action based on a credible tip-off. On Tuesday, March 24, officials at the Chanchal Police Station received concrete intelligence that a group of men was transporting illegal weapons from Bihar into West Bengal.
According to the intelligence input, the suspects were traveling on two motorcycles along the Chanchal–Harishchandrapur Road, heading directly towards Chanchal. Acting promptly, the Chanchal police formed a special interception team and laid a trap in the Nalkutia area. As the suspects approached, the police team successfully intercepted the two motorcycles and detained the riders.
The Accused and the Seizure
During a thorough search of the individuals, law enforcement officers recovered a significant cache of illegal weapons. The police seized 3 firearms and 4 rounds of live ammunition from their direct possession.
The arrested individuals have all been identified as residents of Katihar district in Bihar. They are:
Amit Kumar Saha (26)
Sukhdev Saha (21)
Ganesh Mahaldar (24)
Md. Rejaul (20)
Amad (19)
Ongoing Investigation
Following the seizure, all five accused were formally placed under arrest. A specific case has been registered at the Chanchal Police Station under the relevant, stringent sections of the Arms Act.
The Malda District Police confirmed that the suspects will be produced before the local court, where the police will seek their remand for custodial interrogation. Investigators are currently working to uncover the broader network behind this arms smuggling ring, including identifying the suppliers in Bihar and the intended buyers in Malda.
Reiterating their commitment to public safety, the district police emphasized their “zero tolerance” policy towards all forms of criminal activity to ensure a crime-free Malda.