In a striking display of intelligence-led policing, West Bengal’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has dismantled a key link in an alleged interstate arms smuggling network with the arrest of Puja Biswas, popularly dubbed ‘Revolver Rani’ by locals and social media. The operation unfolded in broad daylight on a busy suburban road, where the woman, blending seamlessly into the crowd in simple attire, was carrying a dangerous cache of firearms hidden in everyday jute bags. This high-profile bust not only highlights the ingenuity of criminals in evading detection but also sheds light on the persistent challenge of illegal arms trafficking across eastern India, with possible cross-border ramifications.
The Dramatic Arrest on a Busy Road
On Sunday morning, commuters along the Naihati–Ashoknagar Road in North 24 Parganas district witnessed nothing out of the ordinary at first glance. Puja Biswas, dressed in a plain cotton salwar suit with a scarf modestly covering her head, carried one jute bag in her hand and another slung over her shoulder. To passersby, she resembled any typical woman heading to the market or visiting relatives — unassuming and inconspicuous in the bustling traffic.
However, a stealth team from the state CID, supported by local police, had been discreetly tailing her movements based on credible intelligence. Puja boarded a ‘Magic’ van — a common local vehicle that ferries both goods and passengers. The interception occurred near Junction No. 8 in the Ashoknagar area. What followed was a swift and decisive action that shattered her cover.
A thorough search of her belongings revealed a substantial arsenal: six semi-automatic pistols (four of 7mm calibre and two of 9mm, some featuring star logos), 12 magazines, and more than 200 rounds of 7.6mm live ammunition. Additionally, police recovered ₹12,000 in cash and two mobile phones. The sheer volume of the contraband inside ordinary jute bags sent ripples of shock through the neighbourhood and drew immediate attention from law enforcement circles across the state.
This arrest marks a significant breakthrough in curbing the flow of illegal weapons that often fuel crime, political unrest, and border-related tensions in the region. The timing, in the sensitive post-election phase, adds another layer of urgency to the investigation.
Puja Biswas: From History-Sheeter to ‘Revolver Rani’
Puja Biswas, a resident of Ward No. 12 under Habra Municipality, is far from a first-time offender. According to investigators, she has been active in the illicit arms trade for nearly five years. Her criminal history includes a similar arrest in 2023 by Duttapukur police, where she was caught transporting arms while traveling in a passenger bus. Despite serving prison time following that incident, officials allege she quickly returned to her old ways upon release, demonstrating the resilience and risk-taking nature of established players in this underground economy.
The moniker ‘Revolver Rani’ has stuck, evoking images of notoriety and perhaps drawing parallels to sensationalized portrayals in popular culture. Social media platforms lit up soon after the news broke, with users and political figures sharing details of the bust. Local BJP leader Rakesh Singh, for instance, took to X (formerly Twitter) to commend the Bengal Police for their “Big action,” referring to the arrested woman as the area’s infamous ‘Revolver Rani’.
CID Chief Natarajan Ramesh Babu emphasized a key tactical insight from the case: “The woman was arrested earlier too… We have understood the modus operandi that a woman carrier will always be used to avoid suspicion.” This strategy exploits societal perceptions and reduces the likelihood of routine checks, allowing syndicates to move contraband more freely through public transport and crowded routes.
Unravelling the Interstate and Cross-Border Network
Preliminary interrogation and evidence point towards a well-organized syndicate with roots extending beyond West Bengal. The firearms are suspected to originate from Munger in Bihar, a region long associated with arms manufacturing, including possible links to the Jamalpur Ordnance Factory. A train ticket to Jamalpur seized from Puja has solidified this connection. Authorities are now working closely with Bihar Police and factory officials to trace serial numbers, batch details, and ascertain if any official stock has gone missing.
Once in West Bengal, the weapons are reportedly routed towards border hubs such as Bongaon before being smuggled further, potentially into Bangladesh. This cross-border pipeline raises serious concerns about national security, as illegal arms can empower criminal gangs, insurgent elements, or even fuel unrest in politically volatile districts.
The involvement of family members adds complexity to the probe. Puja is believed to have collaborated with her current husband, Nilratan, who operates a local clothing business in the Gopalnagar police station area. Investigators suspect this legitimate front helps launder proceeds or mask the movement of goods. Nilratan is currently on the run, and his capture is seen as crucial to uncovering the end-users of these arms — whether they supply organized crime syndicates or serve other nefarious purposes in the border regions.
Puja’s personal journey, as pieced together by police, reveals a woman who divorced her first husband years ago and arranged her daughter’s marriage before diving deeper into these activities. This background humanizes the story while underscoring how individuals from varied walks of life can become entrenched in high-risk criminal enterprises.
Police Response: Formation of SIT and Broader Implications
Recognizing the gravity of the seizure, the state CID has promptly constituted a four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a senior officer of DIG rank. The SIT’s mandate is comprehensive: dismantling the entire supply chain, identifying key players at various levels, tracing financial trails, and determining the intended destination of the consignment.
Officers are particularly focused on whether these weapons were destined for use in organized crime or to stoke political violence, especially in sensitive border districts. The recovery of such a large quantity during a period of relative calm post-elections serves as a reminder of the undercurrents of instability that law enforcement must constantly monitor.
This case also highlights systemic challenges in arms control. Munger’s reputation as a hub for both licensed and illicit firearm production has been a long-standing issue for central and state agencies. Smuggling routes leveraging porous borders and mixed passenger-goods transport further complicate enforcement efforts. Coordinated inter-state operations, like the one now underway with Bihar, are essential but require sustained political will and resource allocation.
For the people of North 24 Parganas and surrounding areas, the arrest brings a sense of relief but also raises questions about the prevalence of such networks in their midst. Habra and Ashoknagar, while developing suburban locales, are not immune to the spillover effects of regional crime syndicates. Local communities often bear the brunt when illegal arms proliferate, leading to increased incidents of violence, extortion, or election-related disturbances.
Strengthening Vigilance
As Puja Biswas remains in custody and awaits court production following initial questioning, the SIT is expanding its operations across North 24 Parganas, inter-state routes, and border zones. The arrest of her husband could prove pivotal in mapping the full extent of the racket.
Experts suggest that beyond immediate enforcement, long-term solutions must include stricter factory audits, community intelligence networks, technological surveillance on transport routes, and international cooperation with neighbours like Bangladesh to seal smuggling corridors.
This incident serves as a potent case study in modern policing — where traditional stereotypes are weaponized by criminals, but proactive intelligence and swift ground action can still deliver results. For West Bengal, it reinforces the need for continued focus on internal security amid broader developmental goals.
The story of Bengal’s ‘Revolver Rani’ is far from over. As investigations deepen, more layers of this shadowy enterprise are likely to surface, offering critical lessons for authorities striving to keep illegal arms out of the wrong hands.
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