The West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) has recovered a cache of firearms and ammunition during a late-night raid in South 24 Parganas district, in an operation that sources claim is linked to TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan – one of the key accused in the Sandeshkhali case – and arrested TMC leader Shaukat Mollah.
12 Firearms, 4 Double-Barrelled Guns Found
According to official sources, acting on specific intelligence inputs, STF personnel conducted coordinated raids under the jurisdiction of Jibantala and Basanti police stations. During the search operations, a total of 12 firearms were reportedly recovered, including four double-barrelled guns (DBBL), six long-range firearms and two short firearms. In addition, 25 rounds of ammunition were also seized from multiple locations.
Sources within the STF claimed that the recovered arms and ammunition are suspected to be linked to Sheikh Shahjahan and Shaukat Mollah. However, officials have not yet issued a formal statement confirming ownership. Investigations are currently underway to establish the source and the intended use of the weapons.
Bengal Police Crackdown On Illegal Arms Networks
The raid, which is still continuing in parts of the district, is part of a broader crackdown by West Bengal Police on illegal arms networks operating in the region. Officials indicated that further recoveries cannot be ruled out as multiple locations are being searched based on follow-up intelligence.
Sandeshkhali Violence Case
Sheikh Shahjahan, a TMC leader from North 24 Parganas, has been at the centre of controversy following the Sandeshkhali unrest earlier this year. He is the prime accused in multiple cases related to allegations of land grabbing, intimidation, and sexual harassment that triggered widespread protests in the region. He was arrested earlier this year.
Police sources said forensic examination and ballistic testing of the recovered weapons will be conducted to determine their origin The STF is also likely to question individuals linked to the recovered cache as part of its ongoing investigation.