Archive · 6 Oct 2026
SSB Arrests Sikkim Man With Pistol Near India-Nepal Border
Border officers stopped a man from Sikkim near Panitanki on Sunday evening.
He was travelling from India to Nepal.
The officers searched his handbag and found a pistol, two magazines, 49 bullets and an empty cartridge case.
The man told them he was going to Kakarvitta to meet his guru.
His gun licence allowed him to carry the firearm only in Sikkim and Bengal.
The officers handed him and the items to local police.
Police will investigate and take any legal action.
Personnel of the Sashastra Seema Bal’s 41st battalion detained Tashi Palki Bhutia at Panitanki on Sunday evening.
Officers stopped him during routine checks at the Mechai river bridge as he travelled from India toward Nepal.
A search found a .32-calibre pistol, two magazines, 49 rounds of ammunition and one empty 7.65mm case in his handbag.
Bhutia told officers he was going to Kakarvitta, Nepal, to receive his guru.
His firearm licence permitted him to carry the weapon only in Sikkim and Bengal; he and the seized items were handed to Kharibari police.
- Who
- The Sashastra Seema Bal’s 41st battalion apprehended Tashi Palki Bhutia, a Sikkim resident.
- What
- Bhutia was found carrying a pistol, two magazines, 49 rounds of ammunition and an empty 7.65mm case.
- When
- Sunday evening.
- Where
- At the Mechai river bridge in Panitanki, near the India-Nepal border.
- Why
- The articles say Bhutia told officers he was travelling to Kakarvitta, Nepal, to receive his guru; the reason for carrying the firearm across the border was not stated.
Authorities’ action
Bhutia’s account
Firearm and border travel
Authorities’ action
SSB personnel detained Bhutia after finding the pistol and ammunition while he travelled from India toward Nepal; his licence was limited to Sikkim and Bengal.
Bhutia’s account
Bhutia told officers he was heading to Kakarvitta to receive his guru; the report does not provide a response from him about the licence restriction or the firearm.
- Apprehending force
- 41st battalion of the Sashastra Seema Bal
- Person detained
- Tashi Palki Bhutia, a Sikkim resident
- Location
- Mechai river bridge, Panitanki
- Weapon
- .32-calibre pistol
- Other items
- Two magazines, 49 rounds of ammunition and one empty 7.65mm case
- Stated destination
- Kakarvitta, Nepal
- Licence restriction
- Licence stated the firearm could be carried only in Sikkim and Bengal
- Police handover
- Bhutia and the seized items were handed to Kharibari police station