The recovery of suspected explosives, restricted chemicals and iron rods from a car in Duttapukur, North 24 Parganas, has triggered a multi-agency investigation involving the National Investigation Agency, the National Security Guard, local police and forensic personnel. A local motorcycle showroom owner, identified as Rakibul Islam, has been arrested in connection with the seizure.
The vehicle was intercepted on Wednesday night near the Tentultala area after the Special Task Force received information that suspicious items were being kept inside it, according to police sources cited by Anandabazar. Investigators had reportedly been monitoring the car before stopping it and questioning its owner.
Police are examining whether the recovered material was intended for any disruptive activity. Investigators are also looking into the reported plan to transport the explosives and chemicals towards Kolkata. The precise destination and purpose, however, have not been established, and the nature and effectiveness of the suspected explosives will be determined through further testing.
The seized items reportedly include explosive-like substances, restricted chemicals and iron rods. Officials are investigating where the materials came from, who may have instructed their movement and whether other people were involved. The investigation is being conducted by multiple agencies, with forensic teams examining the recovered material.
Barasat police district superintendent M Mercy said the investigation was under way and that the type of explosive was being examined. “The investigation is ongoing. The type of explosive is being examined. The accused has already been arrested. The rest can be said after the investigation,” she said, according to the report.
The car had allegedly been parked for about two days beside a showroom on Duttapukur’s Tentultala Road, locally known as Road King, before it was intercepted. Islam, who was identified as the vehicle’s owner, reportedly left car repair work around a decade ago and later opened a motorcycle showroom. He currently operates four showrooms in Tentultala, Bira and Berachampa in Deganga, among other areas.
Investigators are also examining whether the seizure has any connection with an earlier blast at a motorcycle showroom in Amdanga. The previous incident reportedly involved a showroom whose owner was also identified as Islam, but no link between that event and the current recovery has been established.
The police are expected to present Islam in court on Thursday and seek custody for further questioning. The next stages of the investigation will focus on forensic identification of the recovered material, its source and intended destination, and the possible involvement of additional people.
