Tunnel Discovery: Fake Gold Idol Dealer's Great Escape

The West Bengal Police have discovered a tunnel under the house of Saddam Sardar, an alleged fake gold idol dealer, in South 24 Parganas district. Sardar, who escaped during a raid assisted by his family, is now the subject of a manhunt. Two women from his family have been arrested.

The West Bengal Police have uncovered a tunnel leading to a canal beneath the house of alleged fake gold idol dealer Saddam Sardar in South 24 Parganas district, an official reported on Tuesday.

Sardar purportedly used the tunnel to flee during a police raid on Monday. Authorities were acting on allegations that Sardar had defrauded numerous individuals by selling counterfeit gold idols online and collecting money without delivering goods. The raid took place at his residence in Keurakhali village in the Kultali area.

Initial reports reveal that although Sardar was apprehended, his family— including women and his brother—enabled his escape by instigating a scuffle with the police. Sardar's brother allegedly fired several rounds into the air. While Sardar remains at large, prompting a manhunt in neighboring areas, two female relatives have been detained. Police also registered a suo motu case related to the incident. Additionally, three policemen sustained injuries during the confrontation.

(With inputs from agencies.)