Major Inter-State Robbery Plot Foiled by Paschim Medinipur Police, 13 Arrested with Firearms and Criminal Tools

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Paschim Medinipur, November 18, 2024 : A major inter-state robbery operation has been thwarted by the vigilant Paschim Medinipur district police, who successfully arrested 13 miscreants involved in a daring heist plan. The joint operation, conducted by the Ghatal and Chandrakona police stations under the supervision of District Superintendent of Police Dhritiman Sarkar, led to the arrest of 13 individuals from Jharkhand and Bihar. The arrests took place in Alui village of Ghatal, where police recovered firearms, ammunition, knives, gas cutters, and other criminal tools.

The breakthrough came after a tip-off from a reliable source, prompting the Ghatal police to take swift action. On Sunday afternoon, a team of officers surrounded a house in Alui village, believed to be the hideout of the criminals. The owner of the house was the first to be apprehended, followed by the capture of the remaining suspects who were hiding inside. Of those arrested, six are from Bihar, while one is from Jharkhand.

Addressing a press conference later, Superintendent Dhritiman Sarkar revealed the details of the foiled robbery plot. According to the police, the gang had meticulously planned to hijack a truck on the Ghatal-Daspur state highway, rob a chemical fertilizer trader’s shop, and loot a local state-owned bank. The recovery of firearms and ammunition confirmed their intentions of executing a violent heist.

The police's prompt action has brought a sense of relief to the local community. Residents of Alui village reported that, for some time, they had observed unfamiliar youths entering and leaving the house late at night, raising suspicions. It has now been revealed that the group was led by a youth from Jharkhand, who had been residing in the house for an extended period.

Following their arrests, the suspects were presented before the Ghatal Sub-District Court on Monday. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities suggesting that further revelations could emerge as they dig deeper into the gang's operations.

The success of this operation underscores the growing effectiveness of coordinated policing across state lines in tackling organized crime, while also reassuring local residents that the district police are committed to maintaining public safety.