Military Intelligence and Police Bust Alleged DRDO Radioactive Material Sale in West Bengal
Kolkata, 26th November 2024: A joint operation by the Army’s Military Intelligence (MI) and West Bengal Police led to the detention of Francis Ekka, a forest department employee, for allegedly being involved in the sale of unidentified equipment and documents purportedly linked to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The operation was conducted on November 26, 2024, at 6:30 PM, in Belagachi under the jurisdiction of the Panighata Police Outpost, Mirik Police Station, Darjeeling district. Acting on inputs received by the Military Intelligence team in Sukna, cops moved swiftly to apprehend Ekka.
The suspect had claimed that the equipment or material in his possession was radioactive. To verify this, a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was called in to assist. After thorough testing, the NDRF found no evidence of radiation emanating from the material.
In addition to the alleged equipment, Ekka was found in possession of forged DRDO documents. These documents raised suspicion about his activities, prompting authorities to detain him for further investigation.
The West Bengal Police have taken custody of Francis Ekka and are interrogating him regarding his activities and the origins of the forged documents. Further investigations are underway to determine whether the equipment is connected to DRDO or any other sensitive entity.
