A large cache of illegal firearms and ammunition was recovered from a pond in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas, on Saturday, 6 June, after the Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police conducted raids based on intelligence inputs. The pond belongs to Robin Das, a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and the party's former regional president, who has since fled the area along with his brother Gopal Das.

How the Operation Unfolded

Acting on a tip-off from a confidential source, the STF searched the Manipur area in Sandeshkhali during the morning hours and unearthed the concealed weapons from the pond. Raids were also conducted across multiple locations near Sarberia Bazaar in Kumrakhali, Basanti, and the broader Sandeshkhali area, according to officials. The exact count and type of firearms recovered had not been officially disclosed at the time of reporting.

What the Chief Minister Said

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari praised the operation in a post on X, saying, '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.'

Adhikari also specifically commended the coordination between the Director General of Police (DGP), the STF team, and Basirhat Police District personnel. He shared a video clip of the recovery on social media.

Political Allegations and Context

Adhikari alleged that the stockpiled weapons were intended to be used against ordinary citizens and, specifically, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers. 'For years under the previous regime, such illegal weapons were stockpiled and used ruthlessly to terrorize common citizens. This culture of violence claimed the precious lives of numerous opposition party workers, particularly dedicated BJP Karyakartas, who stood up against tyranny,' he said.

Notably, Sandeshkhali has been at the centre of political controversy in recent months, with allegations of violence and land-grabbing previously linked to local TMC functionaries. This recovery adds a fresh dimension to an already volatile situation in the area. The TMC leadership had not issued an official response at the time of publication.

Government's Commitment Going Forward

Adhikari maintained that the state government would continue to pursue illegal arms across West Bengal. 'We will continue to track down, unearth, and recover every single piece of illegal firearms across the length and breadth of West Bengal. Criminal activities and Political Terrorism will be completely wiped out from our State,' he said. Investigators are reportedly pursuing the absconding accused, Robin Das and Gopal Das, whose whereabouts remain unknown.