Agartala, Oct 29 : Tripura Police seized 200 rounds of live ammunition during a vehicle-checking operation in Gomati district and arrested one person in connection with the recovery, officials said on Thursday.
The seizure was made at Maharani under the jurisdiction of Radhakishorepur police station in Udaipur subdivision when personnel deployed for naka checking intercepted a suspicious vehicle travelling towards Gandacherra from Udaipur, they said.
The arrested person has been identified as Jayanta Lal Chakma.
According to police sources, a search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a bag containing 200 rounds of live ammunition.
The seizure prompted the police to launch an investigation to determine the source of the ammunition, its intended destination and the purpose for which it was being transported.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Debanjali Ray reportedly reached the spot and supervised the questioning of the arrested person.
Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the transportation of the ammunition and are trying to establish whether the consignment was linked to any illegal activity, police sources said.
The police are also probing the possibility of an illegal arms trafficking network being involved in the movement of the ammunition. Investigators are seeking to determine whether other persons were associated with its transportation or had any role in the matter.
The arrested person’s statements and other available evidence are expected to form part of the investigation, officials said.
The seizure has drawn attention to the movement of live ammunition in the state ahead of the upcoming municipal elections. Investigators are examining the circumstances of the incident to establish whether the consignment has any connection with the polls.
However, no official confirmation was immediately available regarding a possible electoral link.
Police have not yet disclosed the origin of the ammunition or the identity of any intended recipients. Details about the type of ammunition recovered and whether the arrested person had the necessary authorisation to transport it were also not immediately available.
Officials are continuing the investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the recovery and ascertain whether more people were involved in the case.
Further details are awaited as the probe progresses.
