STF Seizes 19 Illegal Firearms in Sandeshkhali, Six Arrested; CM Hails Operation

PTI, June 6, 2026, Kolkata: The Special Task Force (STF) of West Bengal Police recovered 19 illegal firearms and 57 rounds of ammunition during raids in Sandeshkhali and adjoining areas of North 24 Parganas on Saturday, arresting six persons, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari hailing the operation.

Acting on precise intelligence inputs, the STF conducted raids at multiple locations under Sandeshkhali, Nazat and Basanti police station areas, leading to the recovery of the arms and ammunition haul.

The operation began around 5.30 am with the detention of Lutfar from Sarberia Bazaar. His interrogation led investigators to Ramzan Molla, a relative of jailed former TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan.

Another accused, Rezaul, was subsequently arrested based on leads provided by the two men.

Based on information gathered during interrogation, STF teams, assisted by Basirhat Police District personnel, launched searches at Akunjipara and Manipur in Sandeshkhali.

Officials said five firearms were recovered during the first phase of the operation at Akunjipara.

Further inputs led investigators to premises linked to former TMC regional president Robin Das and his brother Gopal Das in Manipur village.

Police said Gopal Das was detained and questioned during the operation.

Based on information obtained from him, STF personnel searched a pond adjoining the Das brothers’ property and recovered 13 firearms along with a large quantity of ammunition concealed underwater.

In all, police recovered 19 firearms and 57 rounds of ammunition during the operation. Robin Das is absconding.

Investigators said preliminary findings suggested that Ramzan Molla and his associates were close associates of Sheikh Shahjahan. Their criminal antecedents and possible involvement in other offences are being examined, an STF officer said.

“This was an intelligence-based operation. The weapons were hidden in different locations. People are now coming forward with information and we are acting on those inputs. The recovery process is continuing,” the officer said.

STF officials said six persons had been arrested and would be produced before a court. Search operations were continuing, and further recoveries had not been ruled out.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister said: “Kudos to the West Bengal Police for a major breakthrough,” and commended the DGP, STF and Basirhat Police District personnel for what he described as their prompt action and coordination.

The Chief Minister alleged that illegal weapons had been stockpiled during the previous government and used to terrorise citizens and opposition workers.