SSB personnel seize explosives from Nepal border

Panitanki (West Bengal), May 31 : In a major breakthrough, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) guards have seized a huge cache of explosive from a youth along the Nepal border. Abbas Ali was intercepted on the basis of a tip off by SSB personnel in eastern Panitanki, some 35 kilometers from Siliguri.

Security forces recovered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and four detonators.

"We found four detonators, one safety fuse and two types of explosives, one low and the other high end," said Rajesh Tikku, Deputy Commandant of the 22nd SSB battalion.

"I am innocent and have no idea of IEDs. One of my friends asked me to deliver the bag," said Ali.

Ali was later handed over to West Bengal state police by the SSB for further interrogation.

The porous border between India and Nepal has become a source of worry to the authorities, with smugglers taking advantage of the difficult terrain.

India and Nepal share a 1,400-kilometre open border without enough checking points to prevent smuggling.

The Mechi River, which flows along the border with Nepal, is also a conduit of smuggling goods.

ANI