Jharsuguda: In a significant crackdown on illegal arms trafficking, the Jharsuguda Police apprehended three persons and recovered a cache of firearms and ammunition during a raid on Saturday afternoon.
The operation, conducted under the police’s “OPERATION NETRA,” was launched based on specific intelligence that a group was attempting to sell firearms at an isolated location in the Buromal area. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, a police team conducted a raid and successfully arrested the accused on the spot.
The accused have been identified as: Anil Sahu (45), alias Bantha, of Purunabasti, Badpada; Bitu Khatik (33), alias Sonkar, of Buromal; and Suraj Sonkar (34), alias Khatik, of Buromal, Santinagar.
According to police, preliminary investigations suggest that the accused have a history of involvement in serious criminal activities and have been engaged in the clandestine arms trade for a considerable time for monetary gain.
The police have seized two country-made pistols; four magazines; six live rounds of ammunition; one motorcycle; and three mobile phones from the trio.
A case has been registered at the Jharsuguda Police Station under relevant sections of the Arms Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The investigation is ongoing to uncover the supply chain and potential links to other criminal activities in the region.
A police official stated that the successful operation underscores the force’s continued vigilance and its commitment to curbing the trade of illegal arms and neutralizing anti-social elements.
