STF seizes 1,150 gelatin sticks, detonators in Birbhum raid; 2 arrested
Synopsis
West Bengal's STF uncovered one of its largest explosive caches in recent times — 1,150 gelatin sticks, 989 detonators, and 12,000 metres of detonating cord — from an unauthorised site in Birbhum, while simultaneously recovering 21 illegal firearms linked to the illegal coal trade in West Burdwan. The ATS is now involved, raising the stakes on what the explosives were meant for.
Key Takeaways
West Bengal STF seized 1,150 gelatin sticks , 989 detonators , and 12,000 metres of detonating cord from Baroa Gopalpur village , Birbhum district .
Reza Sekh alias Guda (Rajgram) and Mukesh Singh (Tilpara, Suri) — were arrested in the explosives case.
The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of WB STF is also probing the explosive recovery.
In a separate operation, 21 illegal firearms and 65 rounds of ammunition were seized in Jamuria, West Burdwan ; history-sheeter S.K.
Sahajan was arrested.
Cumulative firearms haul in the West Burdwan case stands at 38 firearms and 122 rounds of ammunition .
In September , the STF had also seized nearly 1 kg of heroin in Murshidabad district , signalling a broad crackdown across the state.
The Special Task Force (STF) of West Bengal Police has seized a massive cache of explosives from an unauthorised premises in Baroa Gopalpur village under the Murarai Police Station limits of Birbhum district, leading to the arrest of two persons. The haul — one of the largest explosive recoveries in the district in recent memory — has prompted the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of the WB STF to launch a parallel inquiry into the source and intended use of the materials.
What Was Seized
According to an STF official, the recovered materials include 1,150 gelatin sticks, 989 detonators, and 12,000 metres of detonating cord. The scale of the seizure indicates the stockpile was well beyond what could be associated with routine industrial or mining use, officials indicated. A formal case has been registered and further investigation is underway.
Who Was Arrested
The two persons taken into custody have been identified as Md. Reza Sekh alias Guda of Rajgram and Mukesh Singh of Tilpara in Suri. Both were apprehended during the raid at the unauthorised location, according to the STF official. Their alleged links to the explosives — and whether the cache was intended for criminal, commercial, or any other purpose — are being probed.
Separate Arms Haul in West Burdwan
In a concurrent but separate operation, the STF recovered 21 illegal firearms — comprising 6 long muskets, 4 pistols of 7mm calibre, and 11 pipe guns — along with 65 rounds of ammunition from Jamuria in West Burdwan district. A person identified as S.K. Sahajan, described by officials as a history-sheeter and alleged participant in the illegal coal trade, was arrested in connection with the firearms recovery.
The STF official confirmed that the firearms were recovered from the Pandabeswar Police Station area under the Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate on Tuesday and Thursday. 'The recoveries were made from the Pandabeswar Police Station area, under Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate on Tuesday and Thursday. This is in continuation of the earlier two arrests of Khairul Alam with two illegal firearms and Md Shamsher with 15 illegal firearms. A total of 38 firearms and 122 rounds of ammunition have been seized in this case. Further investigation and raids are underway,' the official said.
Pattern of STF Operations Across West Bengal
This comes amid a broader crackdown by the West Bengal STF across multiple districts. In September, the force arrested two persons — Sadhana Haldar, 60, and Taibur Rahman, both from the Lalgola area of Murshidabad district — and seized nearly 1 kg of heroin in the Jotkamal area under Raghunathganj Police Station. A case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, was registered against them. Taken together, the operations suggest a sustained STF effort to disrupt illicit networks spanning explosives, arms, and narcotics across the state.
Raids and investigations across all three cases are reportedly continuing, with more arrests possible.
Point of View
150 gelatin sticks moved through the supply chain undetected; accountability for that gap lies with the district administration as much as the police. The STF's string of operations — explosives, arms, narcotics across three districts in two months — is operationally notable, but serial seizures without prosecution outcomes risk becoming a headline cycle rather than a deterrent.
NationPress
5 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What explosives did the West Bengal STF seize in Birbhum?
The STF seized 1,150 gelatin sticks, 989 detonators, and 12,000 metres of detonating cord from an unauthorised premises in Baroa Gopalpur village under Murarai Police Station limits in Birbhum district. Two persons have been arrested and the ATS is conducting a parallel inquiry.
Who was arrested in the Birbhum explosives case?
The two arrested persons are Md. Reza Sekh alias Guda from Rajgram and Mukesh Singh from Tilpara in Suri. Both were apprehended during the STF raid and a formal case has been registered against them.
What is the ATS doing in the Birbhum explosives case?
The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of the West Bengal STF is probing the recovery to determine the source of the explosives and their intended use. The scale of the cache — particularly the 12,000-metre detonating cord — is what drew ATS involvement alongside the STF's regular investigation.
What was seized in the West Burdwan arms operation?
In a separate STF operation in Jamuria, West Burdwan, 21 illegal firearms (6 long muskets, 4 pistols, 11 pipe guns) and 65 rounds of ammunition were recovered. A history-sheeter, S.K. Sahajan, allegedly linked to the illegal coal trade, was arrested. The cumulative seizure in the connected case now stands at 38 firearms and 122 rounds of ammunition.
Is this part of a wider STF crackdown in West Bengal?
Yes. The Birbhum and West Burdwan operations follow the STF's seizure of nearly 1 kg of heroin and two arrests in Murshidabad in September. Collectively, the operations suggest a sustained multi-district effort by the STF targeting explosives trafficking, illegal arms networks, and narcotics.
