Bengal STF busts illegal arms factory in Kolkata's southern outskirts
Synopsis
West Bengal's STF uncovered a functioning illegal arms factory hidden inside a residential house on Kolkata's southern outskirts — part of a wider spike in firearm recoveries across the city. The factory owner has fled, and investigators are now racing to map out what could be a broader clandestine manufacturing network.
Key Takeaways
West Bengal STF raided an illegal arms factory in Ayubnagar , southern Kolkata , late on 14 October 2026 .
Two 7 mm guns , two country-made pistols , cartridges, and firearm-manufacturing equipment were seized.
The alleged factory owner fled before the raid; a case has been registered under the Arms Act at Nadial Police Station .
The raid followed a series of firearm recoveries across Kolkata that prompted STF to suspect in-city manufacturing.
Police are investigating the supply chain, order sources, and whether a larger network is involved.
The Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police dismantled an illegal arms manufacturing unit on the southern outskirts of Kolkata late on Tuesday night, 14 October 2026, following a tip-off from intelligence sources. The state police confirmed the operation on Wednesday morning, disclosing the recovery of firearms, pistols, and cartridges from the raided premises.
What Was Recovered
STF personnel recovered two 7 mm guns and two country-made pistols from the site. In addition, firearms-manufacturing equipment and cartridges were also seized, indicating a functional, operational production setup rather than a storage cache.
Where the Raid Took Place
The illegal factory was located in a residential house in Ayubnagar, under the jurisdiction of Nadial Police Station in southern Kolkata. According to police sources, the alleged operator of the unit had set up the manufacturing operation covertly inside the house. The owner, however, reportedly fled before STF personnel arrived and remains at large. A case has since been registered under the Arms Act at Nadial Police Station, and search operations are underway at multiple locations to trace the accused.
How the Operation Unfolded
Investigating officers are now trying to establish how long the accused had been clandestinely producing weapons at the location, who placed orders for the arms, and where the raw materials and equipment were sourced from. According to police sources, a series of firearm recoveries from various parts of Kolkata and its surrounding areas in recent days prompted investigators to suspect that weapons were being manufactured secretly within the city itself. Acting on gathered intelligence, the STF carried out the raid that ultimately uncovered the factory.
Wider Arms Smuggling Probe
State police have launched a broader investigation into the supply chain behind these recoveries, seeking to identify the primary source of arms smuggling in and around the city. Officials have indicated that once the accused is apprehended, interrogation could reveal whether a larger network is involved. 'It will also be possible to know then whether anyone else is involved in this gang or not,' a state police officer was quoted as saying. This incident is part of a troubling pattern — notably, it is the latest in a string of firearms recoveries across Kolkata in a short span, suggesting an organised, localised manufacturing pipeline that authorities are now working to dismantle.
Point of View
And for what purpose. West Bengal authorities will face pointed questions about intelligence lapses if it emerges that the factory had been active for months or years.
NationPress
14 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Bengal STF find in the Kolkata arms factory raid?
The STF recovered two 7 mm guns, two country-made pistols, cartridges, and firearms-manufacturing equipment from an illegal factory inside a residential house in Ayubnagar, southern Kolkata, during a raid on the night of 14 October 2026.
Where exactly was the illegal arms factory located?
The factory was set up inside a house in Ayubnagar, under the jurisdiction of Nadial Police Station on the southern outskirts of Kolkata, West Bengal.
Has anyone been arrested in the Kolkata arms factory case?
No arrests have been reported so far. The alleged owner of the factory fled before the STF arrived. Police say they have identified the accused and search operations are underway at multiple locations.
What charges have been filed in connection with the raid?
The STF registered a case under the Arms Act at Nadial Police Station following the recovery of illegal firearms and manufacturing equipment from the raided premises.
Is this raid connected to a broader arms smuggling investigation in Kolkata?
Yes. Investigators say a series of firearm recoveries across Kolkata in recent days led the STF to suspect that weapons were being manufactured secretly within the city. The current investigation aims to identify the full supply chain, the source of orders, and whether a larger criminal network is involved.
