3 gunmen working for Kolkata jeweller arrested in central Kolkata

Kolkata's Special Task Force (STF) has unearthed a sophisticated racket involving fake gun licenses and illegal possession of firearms, leading to the arrest of eight individuals, including several gunmen employed at various Senco Gold stores across the city and surrounding areas. The arrests were made on July 12, 2025, following a comprehensive investigation into the illicit network. The accused are alleged to have cheated both their employer, Senco Gold, and the licensing authorities by operating with fraudulent permits and unauthorized weaponry.

The operation, recorded under STF PS Case No-13, invoked serious charges under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act. Specifically, the case has been filed under sections 61(2) (criminal conspiracy), 318 (cheating), 336 (forgery), 338 (forgery of valuable security), and 340 (using a forged document as genuine) of the BNS, alongside section 25(1B)(a) of the Arms Act, which deals with acquiring, possessing, or carrying firearms or ammunition in contravention of legal provisions.

Three of the primary accused, identified as Dinesh Mahali (45) from Boral Sardar Para, Raju Sardar (37) from Dakhina Kharaberia, Chandipur, and Biswajit Sarkar (40) from Sanyal Char, were apprehended from the 10th Floor, Unit No-1001, 41A A.J.C Bose Road, Kolkata-17. From their possession, the STF seized three SBBL (Single Barrel Bridge Loading) 12 bore guns and seventeen 12 bore cartridges, along with the incriminating fake arms licenses.

Further investigations stemming from these arrests led to a significant discovery. The STF subsequently seized a total of 13 fake licenses, 11 illegal guns, and 49 rounds of ammunition from various other gunmen who were employed at different Senco Gold establishments. This broader seizure indicates a widespread issue of security personnel operating with fraudulent credentials and unauthorized arms, raising serious concerns about public safety and the integrity of security protocols.

The authorities are currently conducting further investigations to ascertain the full extent of this illicit network, including identifying other individuals involved in manufacturing and distributing these fake licenses and illegal firearms. The scale of the seizures suggests a well-organized operation that has been active for some time, providing fake documentation and weapons to security guards.

The three arrested accused were produced before the Court of the Ld. Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Calcutta, on July 12, 2025. Recognizing the gravity of the offenses and the need for thorough interrogation, the court has remanded them to police custody until July 22, 2025. This remand will allow the STF to delve deeper into the nexus, potentially uncovering more individuals and the complete chain of this illegal arms and licensing syndicate.