In a significant crackdown on illegal arms trafficking, the Brahmani Tarang police in Rourkela have apprehended a 41-year-old wanted criminal. The arrest led to the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons, including dozens of swords and firearms.
Tip-Off Leads to Dramatic Capture
Acting on specific intelligence, police officials were alerted that the accused, identified as Rebe, also known as Sunil Majhi, would be near Sankha Bridge to conduct an illegal arms deal. Rourkela SP Nitesh Wadhwani confirmed the details on Tuesday. A police team, under the leadership of Inspector Uday Sahu, swiftly moved to the location.
The operation unfolded on Monday night around 9:40 PM. Upon seeing the police approaching, Majhi, a native of Bad Maren village, attempted to flee towards Biramitrapur. However, the officers successfully intercepted and arrested him. At the time of his capture, he was found in possession of a country-made pistol loaded with three live rounds of ammunition.
Major Weapons Haul Recovered from Rented House
Following his arrest, intensive interrogation revealed crucial information. Majhi allegedly confessed to procuring arms and ammunition from the neighboring state of Jharkhand and selling them in the Rourkela and Sundargarh districts of Odisha.
This information led the raiding party to his rented accommodation in Kuanrmunda, which falls under the Birmitrapur police station limits. The search of the premises yielded a alarming arsenal:
- Five country-made guns.
- Thirty-five swords, carefully wrapped in a plastic sack.
- Three additional live ammunition rounds.
The total seizure underscores the scale of the illegal operation he was running.
A Criminal with a History
This arrest is not an isolated incident in Majhi's criminal record. Police authorities noted that a number of criminal cases are already registered against him across various police stations. His involvement in the procurement and distribution of illegal weapons posed a serious threat to law and order in the region.
The successful operation by the Brahmani Tarang police highlights their proactive efforts in combating organized crime and curbing the flow of illegal arms. The seizure of such a large quantity of weapons, particularly the 35 swords, is expected to prevent multiple potential crimes and disrupt a key supply chain in the region's black market for arms.
