29 firearms, bullets seized after police arrest 3 aides of Sheikh Shahjahan

The Special Task Force (STF) of West Bengal Police on Saturday recovered 29 firearms and several bullets after arresting three close aides of suspended TMC leader and strongman Sheikh Shahjahan. Shahjahan, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in 2024 in a case involving land grabbing and sexual exploitation of women, is presently serving his term in Kolkata’s Presidency Jail.

The STF launched its operation in South 24 Parganas’ Kumrokhali area after it nabbed Lutfar Molla, Khokon Molla, and Ramzan Ali Molla, three associates of Shahjahan from Sandeshkhali. After interrogating them, the STF learnt about the firearms and launched a major crackdown in South 24 Parganas’ Kumrokhali area and found the arms in a local waterbody.

A video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari depicts members of the Special Task Force (STF) wading into a pond to recover a submerged bag filled with rifles.

Adhikari also hailed the operation as a breakthrough against illegal arms and ammunition in the state.

“Kudos to the West Bengal Police for a Major Breakthrough. On precise intelligence inputs, the Special Task Force (STF) conducted extensive raids across multiple locations near Sarberia Bazaar in Kumrakhali, Basanti, and Sandeshkhali areas. Forces have successfully seized a massive cache of illegal firearms and ammunition hidden away to disrupt peace,” he said.

“I highly appreciate the prompt actions and exemplary coordination of the DGP; West Bengal Police, the STF Team and Basirhat Police District Personnel for this successful operation,” he added.

Adhikari also sharply criticised the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) administration, alleging that the party actively encouraged the proliferation and use of illegal weapons during its tenure.

For years under the previous regime, such illegal weapons were stockpiled and used ruthlessly to terrorise common citizens. This culture of violence claimed the precious lives of numerous opposition party workers, particularly dedicated BJP Karyakartas, who stood up against tyranny. Those dark days are over. Our Government remains unconditionally committed to restoring Law and Order,” he wrote.

This is not the first time the STF has found illegal arms during an operation. Earlier, three double-barrel guns and several cartridges wrapped in black plastic covers were found buried in a piece of land owned by TMC leader Sujit Saha in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district on Friday, police said.

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