Trinamool leader arrested in Sandeshkhali after firearms recovered from pond

Kolkata, Aug 26 (IANS) West Bengal Police on Wednesday recovered a large quantity of firearms and bullets from a pond belonging to a Trinamool Congress leader in North 24 Parganas district’s Sandeshkhali and arrested him following the recovery.

The incident took place in the Korakati area under the jurisdiction of Sandeshkhali police station. The accused, Sameer Sardar, is said to be close to the arrested Trinamool strongman Sheikh Shahjahan.

Acting on a tip‑off from a secret source, police led by the Officer‑in‑Charge of Sandeshkhali Police Station conducted a raid in the area.

During the search, three firearms and about 40 rounds of bullets were recovered from Sardar’s pond. Police arrested him immediately after the recovery.

Investigators are probing whether the firearms were intended to create terror in the area. Police sources said Sardar was known to be close to Sheikh Shahjahan, who was once an influential leader in Sandeshkhali.

Authorities are investigating the origin of the firearms and ammunition, their intended use, and whether others are involved. The probe will also examine possible links to arms trafficking or criminal gangs.

The incident has stirred the area.

It may be noted that in July, police recovered illegal firearms and cartridges from the same Sandeshkhali area and arrested one person in connection with it.

Based on a tip‑off, Nazat Police Station in Basirhat police district arrested Salauddin Molla, from whom a one‑shot pipe gun and seven rounds of cartridges were recovered.

–IANS

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