Jalpaiguri, Sept. 10 -- Acting on a tip-off, the BSF and Jalpaiguri district police jointly searched a residence in North Raikatpara of Jalpaiguri town early on Thursday, where around 40 transgender persons live together.
The operation led to the alleged recovery of two country-made firearms, three rounds of live ammunition, two empty magazines, two Bangladeshi SIM cards and a birth registration certificate issued by the Bangladesh government, police said.
Around 40 transgender residents were questioned and their biometric details were reportedly collected. Investigators are examining whether any of them had links with Bangladesh or any international network.
Investigating sources said the search followed information that Bangladeshi women frequently visited the residence and that the property might have links with an international network allegedly involved in gold and firearm smuggling. Allegations regarding the storage of illegal arms and unaccounted cash are also being examined.
However, no gold was recovered during Thursday's operation. Investigators are yet to establish whether the residence had any connection with an alleged international smuggling network.
They are also expected to examine the financial records of the property and the source of funds used for its construction and maintenance. Following the operation, Pipasa Haldar was arrested. A case has been registered against her under relevant sections of law. Additional Superintendent of Police Shrinivas M.P said: "Firearms, live ammunition, Bangladeshi SIM cards and a Bangladeshi birth registration certificate were recovered during the joint operation and a detailed investigation has begun."
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.