STF Seizes Arms Cache from Pond Allegedly Linked to Trinamool Leader in Sandeshkhali

June 6, 2026

Kolkata: A huge cache of firearms and cartridges hidden in a pond belonging to a Trinamool Congress leader was recovered by the Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police in Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district on Saturday morning, officials said.

STF Raid Leads to Major Arms Recovery

Based on a tip-off from a secret source, STF investigators conducted a raid in the area on Saturday morning. During the search operation, officers uncovered a large cache of weapons concealed inside a pond. However, the owner of the pond, Trinamool Congress leader and former regional president Robin Das, along with his brother Gopal Das, fled the area before the raid.

Searches Intensify, Accused on the Run

Investigators also searched the residence of the Das brothers in Sandeshkhali. Both are known to be close associates of the arrested Trinamool strongman Sheikh Shahjahan. Their house and surrounding areas were thoroughly searched, leading to the recovery of additional weapons, according to sources.

Officials suspect that the arms were stockpiled to create unrest in the region. News of the recovery quickly spread, drawing large crowds to the area. Personnel from the central armed police forces accompanied the STF during the operation, and extensive searches are continuing across Sandeshkhali.

BJP Targets Trinamool Over Weapons Seizure

The two brothers have long faced allegations of atrocities against local residents, including BJP workers. Police have launched a manhunt to trace and arrest the accused.

Reacting to the recovery, BJP MLA Sajal Ghosh intensified his attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress.

“Earlier, fish used to come out of the pond. If not for the Trinamool, I wouldn’t have known that bullets, bombs and guns could also emerge. They are truly the ninth wonder of the world,” Ghosh remarked.

He further alleged that the recovered weapons could have been used against common people had the political situation been different and urged authorities to ensure that those arrested in the case do not secure quick release from custody.

Police investigations and search operations in the area remain ongoing.