Kolkata

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday said the police seized a cache of illegal firearms and ammunition in two districts and alleged that such weapons were stockpiled and used to terrorise people in the previous regime in the state.

Adhikari said the seizures were made during extensive raids across multiple locations near Sarberia Bazar in Kumrakhali and Basanti in South 24 Parganas district and Sandeshkhali areas in North 24 Parganas.

The CM vowed to stop criminal activities and political terrorism in the state.

"Forces have successfully seized a massive cache of illegal firearms and ammunition hidden away to disrupt peace. For years under the previous regime, such illegal weapons were stockpiled and used ruthlessly to terrorise common citizens," the chief minister said in a post on X.

In an apparent attack on the previous TMC government, Adhikari said this "culture of violence" had claimed the lives of numerous opposition party workers, particularly BJP activists, who stood up against "tyranny".

"Those dark days are over. Our government remains unconditionally committed to restoring law and order. We will continue to track down, unearth, and recover every single piece of illegal firearm across the length and breadth of West Bengal," he said.

Adhikari commended the Special Task Force of the West Bengal Police, Basirhat Police District personnel and senior police officials for the massive seizure of illegal firearms and ammunition.

The CM also asserted that "criminal activities and political terrorism will be completely wiped out" from the state, and added that "peace, safety and democracy will prevail".

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Adhikari's comments came a day after the National Investigation Agency arrested former Trinamool Congress MLA Saokat Molla, the prime suspect in the Bhangar blast case, from South 24 Parganas district.

One person was killed, and three others were critically injured in the crude bomb explosion at Dakshin Bamunia village in South 24 Parganas district on March 19, while bombs were allegedly being made there.