Locals of Bolpur in Birbhum district of West Bengal wonder how a well-designed hideout of suspected militants remained out of reach of law enforcers for so long.
After discovering the hideout in Muluk village of Bolpur yesterday, National Intelligence Agency (NIA) officers found that the alleged militants, who had long stayed at the village with their families, had gone away after the October 2 Bardhaman blast incident leaving their houses empty.
The detectives found a bullet in front of the house of suspect Khaleque Sheikh. Two other top suspects are Mintu Sheikh and Talha Sheikh – residents of Canel Para of Muluk village.
The houses of Khaleque and Mintu are surrounded by seven-foot walls. NIA officials said the walls were built so high to cover up militant activities like hiding arms and ammunition, and training new members.
Earlier, NIA personnel visited Bolpur but did not go to Muluk, and this time, they have not retrieved any significant evidence apart from the single bullet, possibly of a 0.7mm pistol or revolver.
The detectives said one of the key suspects of the Bardhaman blast, Habibur Sheikh, lived in Mistri Para of Muluk. He has been on the run since the blast incident. Another suspect, Dalim Sheikh, who used to live nearby, is also a fugitive.
All of the suspects were engaged in selling aluminium products, locals said.
Police suspect that Habib trained members in bomb making while his wife taught members how to operate guns.
Even though the house of Talha was also found empty, there is evidence that he left the place in a hurry.
Four polytechnic students living in a nearby house said Khaleque, Mithu and Talha used to live there along with their families. Their wives wore veils and visitors were often seen at night.
The NIA officers also met with Bolpur Sub-Divisional Police Officer Suriya Prasad Jadab. Local police helped the Indian central government investigators overcome language barriers during their investigation.