Locals report on unfamiliar, suspicious items seen floating in Teesta, police issues notification

Locals have started reporting on any unfamiliar objects, suspicious items, crates, packages and even firearms seen floating in the river Teesta to the nearest police station following a notification from the Jalpaiguri police

In a notification the police yesterday said: “In light of the severe flooding in Sikkim, certain military equipment including firearms and explosives were carried away by the river Teesta. We urge the public to be vigilant and report on any unfamiliar objects, any suspicious items and even firearms seen floating in the water to the nearest police station immediately.”

The administration took such decision after the death of a minor boy at Chapadanga village in Kranti under Jalpaiguri district yesterday.

He died when an explosive shell, which was collected by the curious locals from the river Teesta, exploded last afternoon. Five others were injured and two of them were serious.

The police have also asked them refrain from handling these items in any manner as they pose a potential risk of a dangerous explosion.

Army sources said that the people have started reporting on the matter to the police but they do not have any ideas about exact recovery of equipment swept away from flood hit Sikkim area.