Hidden Tunnel Discovery In West Bengal Sparks Security Concerns Near India-Bangladesh Border
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/23rd July 2024
In a startling revelation, police in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district have unearthed a concealed tunnel beneath the residence of a suspected dealer in counterfeit gold idols. The tunnel, which stretches approximately 40 meters, connects the property to a nearby canal, facilitating access to the Matla river and potentially crossing into Bangladesh. The discovery has ignited significant concerns regarding border security and the efficacy of local law enforcement.
The raid on July 15 targeted the home of an individual identified as Saddam, who is allegedly involved in the trafficking of fake gold idols. During the operation, officers encountered resistance from Saddam’s supporters, leading to stone-throwing and protests. Despite this, the police were able to return later that evening and uncover the hidden tunnel. Authorities believe Saddam may have used this underground passage to evade capture during the initial raid.
The tunnel’s proximity to the India-Bangladesh border has heightened concerns about its potential use for illegal cross-border activities. West Bengal Governor Anand Bose has criticized the state government’s handling of the situation, asserting that the presence of such a tunnel poses a serious threat to national security. Governor Bose has called for a comprehensive review of law enforcement practices in the region, urging the Mamata Banerjee administration to strengthen and enforce effective law and order policies.
The incident has intensified scrutiny on local governance and border security. Governor Bose’s remarks underscore a growing frustration with the perceived inadequacies in addressing organized crime and smuggling operations near the international border. The Raj Bhavan has highlighted the need for robust measures to tackle these issues, reflecting broader concerns about the security of the region.
In response to the tunnel discovery, the state police have faced criticism for their prior knowledge of the fake gold trade and their failure to act promptly. The governor’s office has requested a detailed report on the steps taken by the state government to combat organized crime along the border. This demand for accountability emphasizes the urgent need for improved security measures and more effective law enforcement in border areas.
The situation has also attracted political commentary, with BJP leader Dilip Ghosh accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of supporting criminal elements. Ghosh’s remarks highlight the ongoing political tensions and disputes regarding the handling of crime and corruption in the state.
The West Bengal-Bangladesh border, spanning five districts including Nadia, Bardhaman, Hooghly, Murshidabad, and South 24 Parganas, is known for its challenges in curbing smuggling and illegal activities. The Ganges River, which forms a significant part of the border and is referred to as the Padma in Bangladesh, often sees activity from gold smugglers exploiting the porous border regions.
The discovery of this tunnel underscores the ongoing issues of border security and the need for enhanced vigilance and coordination between law enforcement agencies to prevent illegal activities and protect national interests.
