Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Aug 26: West Bengal Police on Wednesday recovered three firearms and around 40 rounds of ammunition from a pond belonging to a Trinamool Congress leader in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas district, and arrested him following the seizure.

The incident took place in the Korakati area under Sandeshkhali police station. The accused, Sameer Sardar, is reportedly close to arrested Trinamool Congress strongman Sheikh Shahjahan, who was once an influential political figure in Sandeshkhali.

Acting on a tip-off, police led by the Officer-in-Charge of Sandeshkhali police station conducted a search operation in the area.

During the search, personnel recovered three firearms and approximately 40 rounds of ammunition from Sardar's pond. He was arrested immediately after the recovery.

Investigators are examining whether the firearms were intended to create terror in the area. Police sources said Sardar was known to be close to Sheikh Shahjahan.

Authorities are now probing the origin of the firearms and ammunition, their intended use and whether other individuals were involved in storing or supplying them.

The investigation will also examine possible links to arms trafficking and criminal networks.

The recovery has stirred the area, with police maintaining focus on the source and intended use of the seized weapons.

In July, police had recovered illegal firearms and cartridges from the same Sandeshkhali area and arrested a person in connection with the case.

Acting on another tip-off, Nazat Police Station in the Basirhat police district arrested Salauddin Molla, from whom police recovered a one-shot pipe gun and seven rounds of cartridges.