Police and BSF in Tripura’s Sonamura subdivision arrested a couple and another suspect in a major crackdown on illegal firearms along the Indo–Bangla border, seizing pistols, live cartridges and weapons. Authorities suspect a larger arms network and launch detailed investigation.
In a major security breakthrough aimed at curbing illegal firearm movement along the Indo–Bangla border, Tripura Police, in collaboration with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, have arrested three individuals and seized a cache of weapons over the last 19 days. Officials confirmed that two pistols, four live cartridges, a sharp-edged weapon and a motorcycle were recovered during multiple targeted operations under the Sonamura subdivision.
According to police sources, the border belt under Sonamura has for long been considered vulnerable to illegal trafficking of arms, drugs and contraband. These activities are believed to take place in a highly secretive manner, often involving cross-border networks operating from remote villages.
First Arrest: Youth Held With Pistol and Motorcycle
The first arrest in the series of operations was made on October 28, when Sonamura Police apprehended a youth identified as Sadek Mia, a resident of Tokchhara village under the Melaghar police station. During the raid, officers recovered one pistol, a sharp-edged weapon and a motorcycle from his possession.
Officials said Sadek Mia is suspected to be linked with drug trafficking and is also reported to be a habitual substance abuser. Police believe that small-scale arms carriers like him often serve as couriers for larger criminal networks operating along the border.
Second Operation: Couple Arrested in Dramatic Joint Raid
The second and more significant breakthrough occurred on Saturday afternoon, when a joint team of Sonamura Police and BSF Srimantapur BOP conducted a high-intensity operation in Bhogjyod village under the Srimantapur Gram Panchayat.
Acting on a specific intelligence input, the raiding team carried out an extended search at the residence of Bablu Mia and his wife Morsheda Begum. After a detailed inspection, officers recovered one pistol and four live cartridges concealed inside the house. The couple was immediately taken into custody.
Scuffle During Arrest; Police Maintain Calm Amid Tension
Sources said the operation briefly turned tense when accused Bablu Mia resisted arrest, leading to a scuffle with the raiding team. However, police and BSF personnel managed to overpower him and prevent any attempt to flee.
As news of the raid spread, a large number of locals gathered around the house. The rapid crowding prompted security personnel to increase vigilance and maintain law and order.
An officer present at the scene said, “The situation was sensitive for a few moments, but our team controlled it professionally. The weapons were seized safely, and both accused were arrested without any major disruption.”
Senior Police Officials Rush to Sonamura
Upon receiving updates about the situation, Additional Superintendent of Police and District Superintendent of Police, Bijay Debbarma, rushed to Sonamura to monitor developments firsthand. He held a detailed briefing with local officers and reviewed the seized materials.
Speaking to reporters, SP Debbarma said,
“We are conducting a thorough investigation to determine how these firearms reached the accused. It is crucial to establish whether a larger arms-smuggling network is operating in the border region.”
He further added that cross-border trafficking of small arms remains a challenge, but the recent arrests show the firm commitment of law enforcement agencies to curb such activities.
Investigation Expands to Trace Possible Network
Police are now focusing on tracking the source of the seized pistols and identifying potential associates of the arrested individuals. Officers are also probing whether the weapons were intended for local criminal groups or meant to be smuggled across the border.
A senior official said,
“The nature of these operations suggests coordination and prior planning. We suspect that more individuals may be involved, and we are widening our intelligence network.”
The arrested couple — Bablu Mia and Morsheda Begum — will be produced before the Sonamura Court on Sunday. Police are likely to seek their custody for further interrogation.
Meanwhile, accused Sadek Mia, arrested earlier, remains under police scrutiny as investigators examine potential links between him and the couple.
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Authorities say the recent operations reflect a renewed focus on strengthening border security in Tripura and dismantling illegal arms routes. More operations are expected in the coming days as surveillance has been intensified across vulnerable pockets of the Indo–Bangla border belt.
