STF nabs another in ongoing illegal firearm sale operation in Kolkata

The Special Task Force (STF) arrested Shantanu Sarkar from Champahati, South 24 Parganas, on Sunday night in connection with an ongoing investigation into the illegal sale of firearms from the licensed NC Daan & Company shop located in Bibadi Bagh, Kolkata. Sarkar’s arrest brings the total number of individuals detained in the case to six. This follows the previous arrest of Farukh Mallik, who was apprehended on Saturday night in connection with a cartridge-related offense.

During the investigation, police recovered a double-barrel rifle and four rounds of cartridges from Mallik. Upon examination, authorities confirmed that the weapon was bought illegally from NC Daan & Company, which had sold it without a proper license. Further inquiry led to the identification of Sarkar as the individual who facilitated the illegal transaction, with Mallik reportedly acquiring the firearm through him. STF officials raided Sarkar's residence in Champahati, where he was arrested on Sunday night.

NC Daan & Company, a well-established licensed weapon shop, is now under scrutiny for allegedly selling firearms and ammunition illegally for an extended period. The shop, located near Lalbazar, has been a focal point of the ongoing investigation. Of the six individuals arrested in connection with this case, three are believed to have ties to the ruling Trinamool Congress, raising concerns about the potential involvement of political figures in the illicit firearms trade. The STF continues to investigate the case, with additional arrests expected.