Forest employee held :Military Intelligence and Police Bust Alleged DRDO Radioactive Material Sale in Darjeeling

Punekarnews and Agencies, November 27, 2024: A Forest Department employee, Francis Ekka (47), has been arrested for allegedly attempting to sell forged documents and equipment falsely linked to the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). The arrest was made on the evening of November 26, 2024, in a joint operation conducted by the Sukna unit of Army Intelligence and the Darjeeling Police.

Ekka was apprehended from the Belgachi Tea Estate area under the jurisdiction of the Panighata Police Outpost, near Naxalbari. Officials revealed that an Army Intelligence team, posing as potential buyers, successfully nabbed the suspect.

During interrogation, Ekka reportedly claimed that the items in his possession included radioactive equipment and documents purportedly associated with DRDO. Authorities quickly called in the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to examine the materials. However, after thorough testing, the NDRF confirmed that the items were not radioactive.

In addition to the alleged equipment, Ekka was found with forged DRDO documents, which raised further concerns about his activities and possible connections to illegal networks.

Ekka, a resident of Girmit Line in Belgachi Tea Estate under Mirik Block, was presented before the Mirik Court on November 27, 2024. Police charged him under sections U/S 303(2)/338/336(3)/318(4)/61(2)/3(5) of the Bengal National Security Act (BNS). He has been remanded to police custody for five days to facilitate further investigation.

Darjeeling Superintendent of Police, Praween Prakash, confirmed the arrest and disclosed that Ekka was an employee of the West Bengal Forest Department. "A detailed probe has been initiated to ascertain the origins of the forged documents and the authenticity of the equipment," he stated.

Authorities are now focused on uncovering whether the seized equipment has any genuine connection to DRDO or other sensitive organizations. The West Bengal Police are also investigating the source of the forged documents and the extent of Ekka’s involvement in the alleged operation.

The case underscores the vigilance of law enforcement agencies in preventing the misuse of sensitive materials and the potential exploitation of government-linked identities. Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.