West Bengal has witnessed two major police operations uncovering substantial stocks of explosives and illegal firearms. The Special Task Force (STF) recovered 1,150 gelatin sticks, 989 detonators and thousands of metres of detonating cord in Birbhum. In a separate operation, police seized 21 illegal firearms and 65 rounds of ammunition in Paschim Bardhaman.
The seizures have brought renewed attention to the illegal networks operating across the state’s mining and industrial districts.
The operations also raise an uncomfortable question: how did such quantities of explosives and weapons enter illegal storage facilities without detection?
Birbhum Raid Uncovers Massive Explosives Stockpile
The first operation took place at Barua Gopalpur village under Murarai Police Station in Birbhum district.
Acting on intelligence inputs, the West Bengal Police STF, supported by local police personnel, raided an unauthorised storage facility.
The recovery included:
- 1,150 gelatin sticks
- 989 detonators
- Thousands of metres of detonating cord
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari stated that the recovery included 9,900 metres of detonating cord. However, a subsequent PTI report citing police officials put the quantity at 12,000 metres.
Two individuals were detained in connection with the seizure. Subsequent police reporting identified them as Mohammad Reza Sheikh, alias Guda, and Mukesh Singh.
Investigators are examining where the explosives came from, why they were stored and whether the accused were connected to a larger network. The STF is also examining possible links to major criminal or terrorist activity. No such link has been established so far.
21 Illegal Firearms Seized in Paschim Bardhaman
The second operation took place in the Pandabeswar area under the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate.
Police recovered 21 illegal firearms and 65 rounds of live ammunition from an alleged criminal linked to illicit coal networks.
The weapons included:
- Six long muskets
- Four 7 mm pistols
- Eleven country-made pipe guns
The seizure is particularly concerning because of the reported connection to illegal coal operations.
Illegal mining and coal transportation can sustain organised criminal networks. Such operations require money, local influence and logistical support. The presence of illegal firearms raises further questions about how these networks protect their activities and intimidate potential opponents.
However, investigators must establish the precise role of the weapons and the individuals involved. The recovery alone does not establish how the firearms were used.
Illegal Coal Networks and the Wider Security Concern
West Bengal’s coal belt has repeatedly faced allegations of illegal mining, smuggling and organised criminal activity.
The latest seizure highlights the possible overlap between illicit economic activity and illegal arms possession. When criminal networks acquire firearms, the consequences can extend beyond financial offences.
Weapons can be used to threaten residents, intimidate rivals and resist law enforcement. Similarly, large quantities of explosives require strict oversight because their unauthorised storage creates serious risks.
The Birbhum recovery raises another concern. Gelatin sticks and detonators have legitimate industrial applications, including quarrying and mining. However, their storage and use require proper authorisation and safeguards.
Suvendu Adhikari Praises Police Action
Suvendu Adhikari shared details of both operations on X.
He described the seizures as a major breakthrough in safeguarding public peace and security. He also praised the STF and local police personnel for their intelligence gathering and coordination.
Suvendu Adhikari said the government maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards criminal syndicates, illegal weapons and anti-social elements.
The real test, however, will be what follows the seizures. Recovering explosives and firearms is an important first step. Investigators must now identify the suppliers, financial networks, intended recipients and possible connections between the different operations.
Without dismantling the networks behind these materials, individual seizures may offer only temporary relief.
West Bengal Cannot Afford to Ignore the Warning
The recovery of 1,150 gelatin sticks, 989 detonators and 21 illegal firearms is not an ordinary policing development.
These operations expose the scale of illegal materials circulating in different parts of West Bengal. They also underline the need for stronger intelligence gathering, tighter monitoring of explosive storage and sustained action against organised criminal networks.
The State must ensure that illegal mining and coal syndicates cannot operate through intimidation or access to unlicensed weapons.
The message from these raids is clear: West Bengal needs more than occasional crackdowns. It needs a sustained campaign to dismantle the networks that supply, store and circulate illegal weapons and explosives