In a significant crackdown, police in Jagatsinghpur district conducted a late-evening raid on Sunday targeting Bangladeshi settlements in Berahimpur, located in the Tarikunda area. During the operation, authorities seized a large cache of weapons, including a country-made pistol. The situation escalated when illegal residents attacked the police team, injuring a woman constable. In response, security measures were heightened in the area, with a substantial deployment of forces to maintain order.
Sudden raid sparks violence; Key accused on the run
The police had received credible information indicating that a cluster of 9-10 houses in Berahimpur was being used by Bangladeshi nationals engaged in suspicious activities. Acting on this tip-off, the police launched a surprise raid on the evening of November 16. During the operation, the prime suspect, identified as Sikandar Alam, assaulted police personnel and managed to escape.
Jagatsinghpur SDPO Ajinkya Baburao Mane confirmed that several houses were locked from the outside. As part of the search operation, police forced open the locks and uncovered various lethal weapons, including a country-made pistol, a firearm, cutting tools, spades, axes, sharp-edged weapons, and other equipment.
Weapons cache raises alarm; Many suspects flee
Local residents claim that the houses where the alleged illegal occupants lived were constructed on encroached government land. Police suspect that the sudden raid prompted several Bangladeshi men to flee the area before law enforcement could arrive.
Officials are now investigating the source of the seized weapons and the motive behind stockpiling such a dangerous cache. Authorities believe that Sikandar Alam is a central figure in the network, allegedly providing shelter and accommodation for Bangladeshi nationals in the region.
Illegal Madrasa case still fresh in memory
This crackdown follows closely on the heels of the discovery of an unregistered madrasa in the same region, where several minor boys from Bihar were rescued and subsequently moved to a childcare institution. This operation was initiated based on preliminary intelligence received by SP Ankit Kumar Verma.
These consecutive revelations have heightened concerns among residents regarding the increasing presence and activities of individuals from outside the state, possibly including foreign nationals, in Tarikunda and surrounding areas.
Heavy police deployment to contain tension
Tension escalated in the locality after the attack on the police team and the discovery of weapons. To prevent further incidents, authorities deployed a heavy police presence, including Additional SP Satyabrata Das and multiple senior officers who oversaw the search and area-dominance operations.
Several houses were found completely deserted, raising suspicions that their occupants fled immediately upon learning about the police action. Sources indicate that more than 10 families reportedly left the area, fearing arrest or interrogation.
Police have begun verifying the identity documents, immigration papers, and personal backgrounds of all individuals associated with the raided houses. Investigators are also examining whether any of the suspects were involved in activities beyond illegal residence.
Web of illegal constructions on government land
Local residents allege that for the past four to five years, numerous asbestos-roofed houses have been illegally constructed on government land near Machhagaon Canal, Dhanipur Lock, and adjoining areas. These dwellings, often situated far from main population clusters, are suspected of serving as safe hideouts for questionable elements, including illegal immigrants.
Police officials believe that these illegally constructed houses may be part of a larger, organised network facilitating settlements for Bangladeshi nationals who entered the region without valid documents.
Investigation intensifies
Authorities have assured the public that strict action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing investigation. With weapons recovered, suspects on the run, and links to previous illegal setups under scrutiny, the Jagatsinghpur police have intensified surveillance and verification drives across the district.
This operation marks a significant step toward tightening security, dismantling illegal networks, and restoring a sense of safety in the region.
