Major STF Operation in Birbhum; Huge Cache of Explosives Seized, Two Arrested

A major operation has been carried out by the Special Task Force (STF) of the police in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, resulting in the seizure of a large quantity of explosives. According to reports from Aaj Tak and Dainik Bhaskar, the operation took place in the early hours of Thursday, 5 November 2026. Based on secret intelligence, the STF team raided an alleged illegal hideout and unauthorised warehouse located in Baroa Gopalpur village under the jurisdiction of Murarai police station in Birbhum district.

During the raid, security agencies recovered a massive haul of explosives. The seized material includes 1,150 gelatin sticks, 989 detonators, and 12,000 metres of detonating cord. The recovery of explosives in such large quantities has put security agencies on high alert. Two individuals have been arrested by the STF in connection with this matter. The arrested accused have been identified as Mohammad Reza Sheikh alias Gudda, a resident of Rajgram, and Mukesh Singh, a resident of the Tilpada area of Suri.

Distinct from incidents in Baramulla or other regions, the potential use and motive behind the explosives in this Birbhum incident are being investigated. Given the large quantity of explosives and the gravity of the case, the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has also joined the investigation. The ATS and other security agencies are currently conducting an in-depth probe to determine whether this network is linked to any major terrorist module or a large criminal syndicate. The accused arrested by the police and STF are being interrogated on remand to uncover the supply chain of these explosives. Investigations have been intensified specifically to identify the supplier of these explosives and the intended recipient of the consignment.

According to a report by Dainik Bhaskar, precise information regarding the final destination of the 1,150 gelatin sticks is not yet available. However, the recovery of 12,000 metres of detonating cord from the site indicates the severity of the conspiracy. A case has been registered by the police, and further legal proceedings have been initiated.

According to the STF, this operation is part of an effort to dismantle a larger network. Other leads have also emerged during the investigation of this case. The STF stated that a total of 38 illegal weapons and 122 rounds of cartridges have been seized so far in this matter. As part of this investigation, two arrests were made previously, where Khairul Alam was caught with two illegal weapons and Mohammad Shamsher with 15 illegal weapons.

Additionally, a separate operation was conducted by the STF between 3 and 5 November in the Pandoveswar police station area under the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate. In this operation, a total of 21 illegal weapons and 65 cartridges were seized from S.K. Sahajan, an accused in case number 310/26 registered at Jamudia police station. The seized weapons include six long muskets, four 7mm pistols, and 11 pipe guns. Regarding the cartridges, 47 8mm and 18 7.65mm cartridges were confiscated.

According to the STF, the accused S.K. Sahajan's name is also linked to the illegal coal trade, and he is believed to be involved in various criminal activities. All these operations indicate that a large network of weapons and explosives was operational in the region. The STF is currently conducting raids at various locations to ascertain the full details of this network and to reach other associates.

This incident in Birbhum has shocked the local administration and security agencies. Gelatin sticks and detonators are typically used for large-scale explosions, making the role of the ATS extremely critical here. The police are now investigating whether this material was intended for an attack on a specific target or if it was merely part of illegal trade. Further arrests are likely based on information obtained from the arrested Mohammad Reza Sheikh and Mukesh Singh.

In total, these two separate operations by the STF have led to the seizure of a large quantity of explosives, 38 weapons, and 122 cartridges. The police are now linking the clues of this entire network to prevent any such major incident in the future. Currently, all the accused are in police custody and interrogation is ongoing.