Jalpaiguri | September 11, 2026 — A joint operation by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, the Border Security Force and Jalpaiguri district police at a residence in Uttar Raikatpara led to the seizure of firearms, live ammunition, Bangladeshi SIM cards and other items on Thursday, police said. One person was arrested after the 10-hour search.
The operation took place at a large residence near Boro Pukur and Baikunthapur Rajbari, where around 40 transgender people reportedly stay. Shrinivas MP, the additional superintendent of police (headquarters), said the team recovered two country-made firearms, three rounds of live ammunition, two empty magazines, two Bangladeshi SIM cards, a birth registration certificate issued by the Bangladesh government and Bangladeshi currency.
Pipasa Haldar, also known as Pipasa “Hijra” and described as the head of the residence, was arrested. Police are questioning her to establish the source of the firearms, ammunition, SIM cards and document recovered during the search.
“The joint operation led to the recovery of firearms, live ammunition, Bangladeshi SIM cards and a Bangladeshi birth registration certificate. A person has been arrested. A detailed investigation is on,” Shrinivas said.
Sources said the BSF cordoned off the premises early in the morning following specific intelligence inputs. The main search began after daybreak and continued for several hours. The intelligence reportedly included information about Bangladeshi women visiting the residence.
Investigators also questioned residents of the property and collected their biometric details. A source said authorities were examining whether any of them had links with Bangladesh-based or international networks involved in illegal activities. The investigation had not established such links at the time of the report.
Haldar denied any connection with the seized items. “I have no connection with the firearms, money or SIM cards reportedly recovered from the premises,” she claimed.
The operation comes as security agencies continue to examine the movement of people and goods across the India-Bangladesh border in north Bengal. The police have not publicly disclosed the specific charges filed against Haldar or provided details of the next stage of the investigation. A detailed probe by the participating agencies is underway.
