West Bengal Stf Seizes 15 Firearms 56 Cartridges In Andal Raid

The West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) Saturday seized 15 firearms and 56 live cartridges during a raid at an Eastern Coalfields Limited quarter in Andal under West Burdwan district.

The seizure included an array of weaponry ranging from improvised pipe guns and .38 revolvers to multiple 9mm and .32-bore pistols.

The raid was conducted based on information received during the interrogation of two alleged coal mafia operatives – Khairul Alam Choudhary, who was nabbed during a previous operation in Jamuria, and his associate Samser, who was tracked down and arrested in Ranchi.

Alam is suspected of supplying and procuring illegal weapons to enforce and protect coal mafia operations across the Raniganj-Jamuria coalfields.

Investigators believe he plays a key link in a broader illicit arms supply network operating across state borders. The STF and local law enforcement agencies are currently probing his ties to higher-ups in the coal syndicate, tracing the origin of the seized weaponry, and determining the extent of his network across West Bengal and neighboring states like Jharkhand.

Meanwhile, the arms seizure has placed a renewed spotlight on illegal activities across the region’s coal belts. Following the incident, Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) doubled down on its commitment to combat illegal coal operations.

Eastern Coalfields Limited Chairman and Managing Director Satish Jha called upon all workers and stakeholders to actively use the coal ministry’s mobile application, Khanan Prahari.

The Khanan Prahari app empowers mining workers and citizens to report unauthorised mining and theft.

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More