Historic Kolkata Gun Store Faces Illegal Arms Charges
The Bengal Special Task Force (STF) has formally filed two charge sheets against the three owners of NC Daw and Co, a prestigious 190-year-old gun store located in BBD Bagh, Kolkata. The legal documents accuse the proprietors and several others of engaging in illegal arms and ammunition transactions that have shocked the city's business community.
Court Proceedings and Investigation Details
The charge sheets were submitted in both Barrackpore and Alipore courts, naming a total of 18 individuals involved in the alleged illegal activities. The extensive probe, which continued for several months, uncovered that the store owners were allegedly connected to two significant incidents of illegal arms recovery.
In one major operation conducted earlier this year, STF officials raided a residential flat in Regent Park, Rahara, where they made a substantial seizure of 14 firearms and 904 rounds of ammunition. This operation resulted in the immediate arrest of the flat owner and another individual. Following intensive interrogation, authorities subsequently arrested the three brothers who own the historic firearms establishment.
Earlier Incident and Employee Involvement
In a separate incident that occurred in February, STF investigators recovered approximately 200 rounds of cartridges and several double-barrelled guns from the Jibantala Police Station area in South 24 Parganas. While four individuals were initially taken into custody, subsequent questioning led to the arrest of three more suspects, including two employees from the BBD Bagh arms shop.
The investigation revealed a disturbing pattern where the accused were allegedly illegally selling firearms that had been submitted to their care for testing and evaluation. This breach of trust involved weapons that customers had entrusted to the establishment for professional assessment.
Current Status and Legal Proceedings
Currently, the three brother-owners of NC Daw and Co are out on bail as the legal process continues to unfold. The case has drawn significant attention due to the shop's long-standing reputation and nearly two-century presence in Kolkata's business landscape.
The Bengal STF's thorough investigation has exposed what appears to be a sophisticated network operating behind the facade of a legitimate business. The charge sheets represent a significant step in the legal proceedings against all 18 accused individuals, marking a crucial development in the state's efforts to combat illegal arms trading.
