The police in Malda arrested two persons carrying gunpowder on Wednesday morning, leading to an explosive verbal battle between the BJP and Trinamul.

According to police sources, Rajesh Mandal a.k.a. Kali, and Litan Mandal a.k.a. Niton, both residents of Sukhdebpara village under Baishnabnagar police station of Malda, were arrested from NH12.

Both were on a two-wheeler carrying plastic packets of gunpowder.

“They were carrying two plastic packets with around 2.5kg gunpowder in all. Both were intercepted and we confirmed the substance is used to make bombs,” said Tridip Pramanik, inspector-in-charge of Baishnabnagar police station.

The police are probing if the duo are peddlers of explosives or are involved in the manufacture of crude bombs.

“They have been taken into custody for interrogation,” a police officer said.

The seizure and arrests prompted BJP leaders to claim that it was again proved that vast stretches of Kaliachak and Baishnabnagar, blocks that share borders with Bangladesh, are havens for criminals.

“This is not the first seizure,” said Sreerupa Mitra Chaudhury, a senior BJP leader. “Earlier, illegal arms and bomb making units have been busted in these areas and many arrested with firearms and bombs. As the Bengal elections are nearing, these people, with the indulgence of Trinamul, are becoming active. Trinamul leaders knowing well that they will not win any Assembly seat in Malda are desperate to engage criminals for poll success,” she said.

Trinamul reacted sharply to the allegation. Subhamay Bose, a district spokesperson of Trinamul, said: “BJP is trying to capitalise on even routine police actions.”

“Also, the district police and not any central agency have seized the explosive and arrested two persons. BJP leaders should find better issues,” added Bose.