2 guns hidden in water tank seized in Howrah shootout case, say Police

Police have recovered the weapons allegedly used in the murder of property dealer Mohammad Shafique Khan in the Pilkhana area of Howrah, marking a significant breakthrough in the investigation. Acting on information obtained during the interrogation of an accused in police remand, officers seized two firearms and two magazines during a late-night operation on Friday.

According to officials of the Howrah Police Commissionerate, the weapons were recovered from a water tank at the residence of Mohammad Wakil alias Munna, a resident of the Bowbazar police station area. The recovery followed sustained questioning of Wakil, who is among those arrested in connection with the case.

In a statement issued on Saturday morning, police said Wakil disclosed that the main accused, Haroon Khan and Rafaqat, had handed over the firearms to him after carrying out the murder on the morning of February 25. The weapons were allegedly concealed in the water tank to evade detection.

Earlier, Golabari police had arrested Mohammad Bilal alias Rinku, Mohammad Wakil alias Munna, and Dildar Hussain for allegedly helping the main shooters escape. Investigators said the prime accused had reportedly taken shelter at Bilal’s hideout in the Jorasanko area after the crime.

Police said there is evidence of continuous communication between the arrested individuals and the main accused. The recovered firearms are being sent for forensic examination to determine whether they were used in the murder. Raids are ongoing to trace Haroon Khan and Rafaqat, and the investigation has been intensified.