Six Remanded After Expired-Licence Pistol Found in Ex-Congress MLA’s Car in Malda

Overview

• Police recovered a 7 mm pistol, a magazine and eight live rounds from an SUV linked to former Manikchak MLA Md. Mottakin Alam during a naka check on NH12 near Chechu More in Old Malda.
• Investigators say the firearm was licensed to Alam but the licence had expired on September 20, 2022, and the owner was not present in the vehicle.
• Six occupants of the vehicle were arrested because the weapon was not registered in any of their names, and a case under the Arms Act was registered.
• The Malda District Court sent the six to 14-day judicial custody, and police say the vehicle and weapon remain seized as the inquiry continues.
• Alam and local Congress leaders acknowledged the pistol was his and attributed its presence in the car to an oversight during Eid, while the SP highlighted non-surrender of the lapsed licence and rival parties called for accountability under election rules.