Siwan: With Bihar gripped by election fever, police vigilance has intensified across districts. In Siwan, authorities seized a pistol and a rifle from the car of an independent candidate during a routine vehicle check, heightening tensions just weeks before polling.
According to police sources, the incident took place near Malmalia Main Road in Siwan district when officers stopped a Scorpio SUV belonging to Raj Kishore Gupta, an independent candidate from Maharajganj constituency. During the inspection, officials reportedly found the weapons inside the vehicle.
“The firearms were being carried without prior permission,” an officer said, adding that the weapons had been confiscated and a formal investigation was underway.
Gupta, a resident of Purani Bazar, Maharajganj subdivision, was allegedly travelling with the firearms at the time of the inspection. Local authorities have confirmed that the weapons were later found to be licensed but were being transported without prior approval — a violation under the Election Commission’s code.
SDM Aman, who is supervising the inquiry, stated: “The firearms were recovered during checking, and the licence was found to be valid. However, carrying them without prior permission during election time is not allowed.”
The incident has sparked discussions about heightened scrutiny of candidates ahead of polling. Police have been conducting regular checks across the state to prevent illegal cash, liquor, and weapons from influencing the electoral process.
