JALPAIGURI: The Jalpaiguri Police in West Bengal have asked people to remain vigilant as military equipment, including firearms and explosives, washed away in Teesta river after flash floods in Sikkim.
The development came after an eight-year-old boy died, while six others, including two children, suffered injuries when a mortar shell they had collected from the Teesta riverbank exploded at their Chapadanga home in Jalpaiguri’s Kranti block on Thursday.
"In light of the severe flooding in Sikkim, certain military equipment including firearms and explosives were carried away by the Teesta River. We urge the public to be vigilant and report any unfamiliar objects, crates, packages, firearms, or any suspicious items seen floating in the water to the nearest police station immediately," said Jalpaiguri police.
Police have also urged people to refrain from handling these items in any manner, as they pose a potential risk of a dangerous explosion.
They have also been urged to contact police station in Kotwali, Malbazar, Maynaguri and Kranti police outpost for any assistance.
Meanwhile, the Army has established lookout teams all along the river downstream, said PRO Defence, Guwahati.
- Sikkim govt warns of washed away arms
Sikkim government’s land revenue and disaster management department issued an advisory on Thursday, warning residents about explosives and ammunition belonging to police and armed forces from the washed away settlements.
“These ammunition shouldn’t be handled since they may explode and cause grievous injuries. On sight of such devices, it may be brought to the notice of the collectors or the state emergency operations centre,” the advisory said.