Huge cache of arms recovered in Kolkata before tomorrow's poll

Kolkata, Apr 26 (UNI) In a pre-poll raid of different areas, police recovered a huge cache of arms and ammuniton from an abandoned house at Hastings in south Kolkata last night.

Claiming it as a major success to prevent any possible poll-related violence in the city and adjoining areas, city police today said the sophisticated arms were smuggled in by criminal gangs to create trouble before and during tomorrow's election to 76 seats here and North and South 24 Parganas.

Among the arms recovered during the raid were two single barrel and as many double barrel guns, one rifle, seven revolvers and over 50 rounds of live cartridges, besides, a large number of bombs and crackers, police informed.

However, none could be arrested as the arms and ammunition were kept in bundles in an abandoned house in the Hastings area.

Meanwhile, about 500 companies of para-military forces in addition to about 14,000 state armed police forces have been deployed to ensure a free and fair third phase election.

With less than 24 hours remaining for the third phase of polling beginning at 0700 hours tomorrow, all the forces have fanned out to their respective posts. In some of the areas regular flag marches by the security forces are being conducted to instill confidence among the electorate.

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