Massive arms haul in Sandeshkhali: Police dig up weapons from pond

Kolkata: A large cache of firearms and ammunition was recovered from a pond near an under-construction building in Sandeshkhali on Saturday. The area was once considered a stronghold of jailed former Trinamool functionary Sheikh Shahjahan. The arms seizure was the result of a joint operation by the West Bengal Police Special Task Force (STF) and the Basirhat district police.The owner of the pond, former Trinamool regional president Robin Das — considered a close associate of Shahjahan — is absconding, police sources said. However, other close associates of Shahjahan, including Gopal Das, Ramzan Ali Mollah, Lutfar Mollah, and Khokon Mollah, have been arrested. According to STF sources, 18 firearms and 56 rounds of cartridges were recovered.CM Suvendu Adhikari praised the police efforts and alleged that the arms had been stockpiled during the tenure of the Trinamool govt.A large police contingent led by Bengal STF IG Gaurav Sharma, Barasat Range DIG Amit Javalgi, and Basirhat Police District SP Alaknanda Bhowal conducted search operations across the Sarberia, Akunji Para, Kumrokhali, and Manipur areas of Sandeshkhali."Search operations conducted at various locations in Sandeshkhali have so far led to the recovery of 18 firearms and 56 rounds of ammunition. Among the seized weapons are 10 long guns and eight short guns. Of the 56 rounds of ammunition recovered, several are 8 mm pistol cartridges and 12-bore shotgun cartridges. Six persons, including a local criminal identified as Ramzan Molla, have been arrested. Search operations in the area will continue," IG Sharma said.Locals alleged that brothers Robin and Gopal were a "source of terror" in the area.