West Bengal Police Unearth Massive Cache of Illegal Arms Buried in Sandeshkhali Pond

Security forces acting on intelligence inputs recovered a large stockpile of firearms and ammunition from a waterbody linked to local political functionaries.

The Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal police conducted a high-stakes operation on Saturday, June 6, 2026, leading to the recovery of a significant cache of illegal weapons. The arms, which include a large number of firearms and cartridges, were discovered submerged in a pond situated near Sarberia Bazaar in the North 24 Parganas district. The site of the recovery, located within the volatile region of Sandeshkhali, has been linked by investigators to local Trinamool Congress functionaries Robin Das and Gopal Das.

The operation was the result of precise intelligence gathered by the West Bengal STF, which executed simultaneous raids across multiple locations, including Kumrakhali, Basanti, and the broader Sandeshkhali area. Visuals of the recovery, showing police personnel wading into the murky waters to retrieve the weaponry, have since circulated widely across social media, drawing sharp reactions from political circles and local residents alike.

A Legacy of Unrest

The discovery brings renewed focus to Sandeshkhali, a region that became a flashpoint for political unrest in early 2024. The area previously made national headlines when local women led mass protests against the alleged reign of terror orchestrated by then-Trinamool leader Sheikh Shahjahan. Shahjahan, who was later arrested in connection with a violent attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials, remains in custody.

Rekha Patra, a survivor of the past violence and current BJP MLA from Hingalganj, noted that the recovery confirms long-standing suspicions regarding the intimidation tactics used in the region. She alleged that the hidden arms were stockpiled by supporters loyal to the previous leadership to maintain a climate of fear. While reports indicate that local leaders linked to the pond are currently absconding, the police have intensified their search efforts to bring those responsible to justice.

The Push for Normalcy

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari lauded the police for the breakthrough, framing the operation as a critical step in restoring peace to the state. "Those dark days are over," the Chief Minister stated, emphasising that the government is committed to unearthing such illegal caches across the length and breadth of West Bengal to ensure the safety of the public.

The recovery is viewed as a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to dismantle the infrastructure of violence that observers claim was established under the previous administration. By targeting these hidden stockpiles, authorities aim to address the systemic challenges that have long plagued the law and order situation in this corner of the state. Investigations are ongoing as the police continue to comb the region for any further evidence of illegal weapons caches.