Trinamool Congress Councillor Arrested Under Arms Act in West Bengal

Amirul Sheikh Islam, a councillor from the Trinamool Congress, was arrested in Kolkata under the Arms Act after failing to present required documentation for ammunition found in his luggage. Initially detained at the airport in September 2025, he claimed to have the necessary permits but never provided them. His arrest has raised questions about police procedures and political influence, as many believed his connections allowed him to evade immediate consequences. The police have now initiated a fresh investigation leading to his apprehension.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 6, 2026, 15:56 IST

Arrest of Councillor Amirul Sheikh Islam

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Kolkata, May 6: Amirul Sheikh Islam, a councillor affiliated with the Trinamool Congress from ward 14 of Pujali Municipality in the Diamond Harbour subdivision of South 24 Parganas district, has been apprehended under the Arms Act of 1959 due to an ongoing investigation.

Islam was initially detained on September 21, 2025, at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata when security personnel discovered a magazine and six rounds of ammunition in his luggage as he attempted to board a flight.

He asserted that he had the necessary authorization documents and a valid firearm license for the items found. However, he claimed he did not have the documents on him at that moment but promised to present them to the authorities later.

Despite multiple reminders from law enforcement, Islam failed to provide the promised documentation. Consequently, police arrested him on Wednesday and filed charges against him under the Arms Act.

According to an investigating officer, "He was given ample time to present those documents, but he did not comply. Therefore, a new FIR was registered, leading to his arrest today based on this fresh case."

Following his initial detention at the airport, the police faced scrutiny regarding their decision to allow him to leave based solely on his verbal commitment to submit the required documents.

Many speculated that his political connections as a prominent councillor influenced the police's leniency. However, he was ultimately taken into custody on Wednesday.