Jagatsinghpur Police conducted a major midnight raid at Beheram Basti near Tarikunda under Sadar Police Station, leading to the detention of four suspected foreign nationals and the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons.
The operation took place late Sunday night following specific intelligence inputs about unauthorized settlers and possible illegal arms storage in the area.
During the raid, police officers faced resistance, resulting in injuries to Additional Superintendent of Police Satyabrata Das and two constables. Despite the brief confrontation, the police team secured the settlement and continued their search in the presence of an Executive Magistrate.
Authorities seized a country-made revolver, machetes, metal cutters, and multiple sharp weapons from a rented house that residents allege was constructed and occupied without authorization over the past four years. The primary accused, identified as Sikandar Alam alias Siku, reportedly escaped moments before the raid and is currently absconding. Three platoons of police forces have been deployed as searches continue in the locality.
Intelligence Alerts Triggered the Operation
Officials confirmed that the raid was launched after credible alerts indicated that several foreign nationals were being sheltered in newly built, unapproved rental units. Locals had earlier reported suspicious activities and the recurring discovery of weapons in the vicinity. Police stated that over 30 individuals were staying in the cluster, prompting a verification-based operation.
Despite resistance at the site, four individuals were detained for questioning, and adjacent locked structures are being thoroughly examined.
Residents Claim Four Years of Unauthorised Occupation
Residents of Beheram Basti say multiple structures were built illegally over the past four years to house tenants. They stated that despite submitting complaints, the issue persisted. A previous police raid reportedly took place a month ago, but the main accused had evaded arrest then as well.
“We often find weapons in this area, which has created fear among families. We are thankful to the police for acting swiftly and recovering so many weapons. We request that illegal structures be removed,” said local resident Manas Chandra Mishra.
Another resident, Laxmikant Swain, added that the police had previously warned the house owner but he continued to evade operations.
Officials Confirm Prior Surveillance
Jagatsinghpur SDPO Ajinkya Mane confirmed that the property had been under surveillance following intelligence inputs. “We received information that Sikandar Alam was sheltering foreign nationals at this house. During our last raid, he fled. Verification of the seized weapons is underway, and further updates will be shared soon,” he said.
