kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The case that has sparked fresh political controversy in West Bengal, Kolkata Police have reportedly unearthed an alleged Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) connection with a man arrested from Dharmatala earlier this week for possessing a live cartridge. The man, identified as a resident of Ketugram in East Burdwan, was detained during routine patrolling in the busy Dharmatala area on suspicion of suspicious behavior.

According to police sources, during interrogation, the accused reportedly failed to give a satisfactory answer regarding the cartridge found in his possession. Initial checks revealed that he had no license for carrying any ammunition. While no firearm was recovered from him, the presence of the cartridge alone has triggered a full-fledged investigation by the Kolkata Police Special Branch.

What has further fueled the political debate is the accused’s alleged link to a local BJP unit in Ketugram. Investigators, upon probing his digital footprint and contacts, reportedly found photographs and WhatsApp messages connecting him to certain BJP leaders from the area. Some social media posts, now under forensic scrutiny, also allegedly show him participating in party events and rallies in East Burdwan.

Senior police officials have remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the political angle, stating only that "all possible affiliations and motives are being examined." A case under the Arms Act has been filed, and the accused remains in police custody for further questioning.

Meanwhile, opposition parties in West Bengal, particularly the Trinamool Congress (TMC), have seized upon the incident to target the BJP. TMC spokespersons have demanded an explanation from the BJP leadership about why an individual allegedly affiliated with the party was found carrying ammunition in a high-security zone like Dharmatala.

"This is deeply alarming. The person arrested belongs to Ketugram and is allegedly a BJP worker. What was he doing in central Kolkata with ammunition? This raises serious concerns about the BJP’s intentions and activities ahead of any political mobilization," said TMC MP Saugata Roy.

The BJP, on its part, has distanced itself from the accused. Party leaders in East Burdwan have stated that the man in question is not an official member of the BJP. “We are not aware of his political affiliation. Anyone can attend public events or pose for pictures. That does not make him a party worker,” said a local BJP leader from Ketugram.

Sources within the security establishment believe the accused might have been acting independently, though the full scope of his plans remains unclear. Officials are investigating whether he had any intent to create unrest or if the cartridge was carried unintentionally. His call records and financial transactions over the last few weeks are also being thoroughly scrutinized.

The incident has prompted the Kolkata Police to issue a fresh security advisory in light of heightened political activity across the state. Special surveillance measures are being enforced at key locations in the city, including Dharmatala, Esplanade, and Sealdah, which often witness public gatherings and political protests.

The role of Ketugram in the case is also under deeper examination. Police teams have been sent to the accused’s home village to question his associates and check whether any arms-related activities have been reported in the region. The local police station in East Burdwan is said to be cooperating closely with Kolkata’s law enforcement agencies.

As the investigation continues, the discovery of a cartridge and its potential political link has become a fresh flashpoint in West Bengal’s already charged political environment. Whether the case is a one-off incident or part of something larger remains to be seen in the coming days.