Jalpaiguri Raid: Firearms, Ammunition and Bangladeshi Documents Recovered; Community Head Arrested
BSF, DRI and Jalpaiguri Police conduct 10-hour search in Uttar Raikatpara; agencies probe possible cross-border links
Jalpaiguri, September 10: In a major joint operation in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri, the Border Security Force (BSF), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Jalpaiguri Police conducted an approximately 10-hour search at a residence in Uttar Raikatpara, recovering country-made firearms, live ammunition and documents and SIM cards reportedly linked to Bangladesh.
Police arrested Pipasa Haldar, also known as Pipasa Hijra, who has been described by authorities as the head of the transgender community residing in the area. A case has been registered and an investigation is underway.
According to police, the operation was launched on the basis of confidential intelligence inputs. The search began early Thursday and continued for nearly 10 hours.
Firearms and Ammunition Recovered
Authorities said the joint team recovered:
- Two country-made firearms
- Three live cartridges
- Two empty magazines
- Bangladeshi SIM card(s)
- A Bangladesh government-issued birth certificate
- Reports also indicate the recovery of Bangladeshi currency
Jalpaiguri Additional Superintendent of Police Shrinivas MP said the recovered weapons and foreign documents were taken into custody and a case was registered under relevant provisions.
The presence of firearms alongside foreign-issued documents and SIM cards has prompted investigators to examine how the items reached the residence and who may have been using them.
Possible Cross-Border Links Under Probe
Investigators are now examining whether the Bangladeshi documents and communication material have any connection with cross-border networks or illegal activities.
Police have also reportedly been examining contact details involving people from different countries. However, any alleged links with Bangladesh-based or international networks remain under investigation and have not been established as fact.
Some reports have also raised allegations of contacts extending to people in Pakistan, but these claims should be treated cautiously unless independently confirmed by investigators.
The central questions for investigators include the origin of the firearms, the purpose for which the Bangladeshi SIM cards were being used, the authenticity and intended use of the foreign birth certificate, and whether any individuals associated with the residence had facilitated cross-border movement or communication.
Pipasa Haldar Arrested
Pipasa Haldar was arrested following the search operation.
According to reports, authorities described her as the head of the transgender community residing in the Uttar Raikatpara area and alleged that she had been involved in contacting or providing shelter to foreign transgender persons.
However, Haldar has denied the allegations and reportedly claimed that nothing incriminating was found in the premises she showed to the authorities. Her version will be subject to the ongoing investigation and judicial process.
Around 40 Residents Questioned
The investigation has reportedly extended beyond the arrested individual.
Around 40 transgender residents were questioned during the operation, with investigators also collecting biometric details as part of the verification process, according to reports.
The agencies are expected to examine the identities, backgrounds and communication links of people associated with the premises to determine whether the recovered foreign documents and SIM cards belong to anyone else.
Why the Recovery Is Significant
Jalpaiguri lies in North Bengal, a region strategically important because of its proximity to several international borders and major transportation corridors.
The recovery of foreign communication material and documents alongside firearms has therefore prompted investigators to examine whether the items represent isolated possession or point towards a larger network.
At this stage, however, there is no confirmed evidence publicly establishing a terrorist or espionage connection. The investigation will have to determine whether the recovered material was being used for legitimate, fraudulent or criminal purposes.
The authorities are also expected to verify the origin and authenticity of the Bangladeshi documents and SIM cards through relevant agencies.
Ten-Hour Multi-Agency Operation
The operation involved personnel from the BSF, BSF intelligence, DRI and Jalpaiguri’s Kotwali Police, according to reports.
The coordinated involvement of border-security, revenue-intelligence and local police agencies indicates that investigators are treating the recovery as requiring examination from multiple angles — including arms possession, foreign documents, communications and possible cross-border activity.
Further forensic and technical examination of the seized material could provide investigators with additional leads.
What Investigators Are Looking Into
- Source and ownership of the two country-made firearms
- Origin of the three live cartridges and empty magazines
- Users and activation history of the Bangladeshi SIM cards
- Authenticity and purpose of the Bangladesh-issued birth certificate
- Source of the reportedly recovered Bangladeshi currency
- Possible contacts with individuals across the border
- Whether the premises were being used to shelter or facilitate foreign nationals
- Any wider criminal or cross-border network connected with the recovered material
Investigation Continues
The arrest of Pipasa Haldar and the recovery of firearms and foreign documents have opened several lines of investigation for the authorities. The agencies are now expected to focus on establishing the source, ownership and intended use of the seized items, while verifying the identities and backgrounds of people connected with the premises.
For now, allegations of wider Bangladesh or Pakistan links remain part of the investigation and have not been conclusively established.
The case could assume greater significance if investigators uncover evidence connecting the recovered weapons, foreign communication material and documents to a broader interstate or cross-border network.