Kolkata: Suspected explosives and banned chemicals were recovered from a car on Jessore Road at Duttapukur late on Wednesday night. The NIA, NSG, forensic experts and local police conducted a search operation at the spot. Investigators are probing whether the materials were intended for subversive activities. The car owner, Rakibul Islam, owner of a local motorcycle showroom, has been arrested and is being questioned by the police.“Explosive-like substances and banned chemicals were recovered from the car going along Jessore Road. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Security Guard (NSG), forensic experts and Barasat District police conducted a search operation at the spot. The car owner has been arrested. Police are probing whether the materials were intended for subversive activities,” a senior police officer of the Barasat District police said.According to cops, the Special Task Force (STF) had received prior intelligence about suspicious materials inside a car parked in the Tetultala area of Duttapukur. Acting on the information, the STF had been keeping the vehicle under surveillance. The car was intercepted on Wednesday night, and its owner, Rakibul, was detained for questioning.Investigators suspect that the explosives and chemicals were intended to be transported to Kolkata. However, the exact destination and purpose of the consignment remain unclear.Police sources said the recovered materials included explosive-like substances and iron mesh rods. The nature and potency of the suspected explosives will be determined through further tests. Investigators are trying to establish the source of the materials, who instructed Rakibul to transport them and whether others were involved in the incident.Barasat Police District Superintendent J. Mercy said, “The investigation is underway. The nature of the explosives is being examined. The accused has already been arrested. Further details can be provided after the investigation progresses.”Rakibul reportedly left his car-repair business around 10 years ago and subsequently opened a motorcycle showroom. He currently operates four showrooms in different areas, including Tetultala and Bira in Duttapukur and Berachampa in Deganga.According to sources, a motorcycle showroom in Amdanga, reportedly owned by Rakibul, had been rocked by an explosion a few years ago. Investigators will also examine whether that incident has any connection with the latest recovery.Local sources said the car had been parked beside the Road King showroom on Tetultala Road in Duttapukur for the past two days.
