Kolkata: The investigation into the recovery of illegal firearms in Basanti has intensified with police arresting Saukat Gayen and Jafar Sheikh after fresh disclosures by arrested accused Ramzan Sheikh allegedly led investigators to multiple hidden arms caches across the area.
According to police sources, the Special Task Force (STF) had earlier recovered several firearms from Ramzan’s residence. During interrogation, Ramzan allegedly revealed details about weapons concealed at different locations across Basanti, prompting a series of search opearations.
Acting on the information, police conducted raids at the residence of Shawkat Gayen. Investigators alleged that firearms and ammunition had been hidden beneath a pond ghat on the property. Search operations continued on Friday and Saturday, resulting in the recovery of additional weapons and ammunition.
Police are now examining the origin of the seized arms and investigating whether they were intended for use in criminal activities. Sources said investigators are also looking into alleged links between Ramzan Sheikh, former MLA Saokat Molla, who was earlier arrested by the NIA, and Shahjahan Sheikh, who was recently arrested from Sarberia.
Further interrogation of the accused is underway as investigators seek to identify other members of the suspected arms network and locate additional stockpiles of illegal weapons.