Bhubaneswar Police Crack Down on Illegal Arms Trade
The Special Crime Unit of the Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police made a significant breakthrough on Friday. They successfully dismantled an active arms trafficking network operating within the city limits. This operation led to the immediate arrest of one key suspect and the recovery of a dangerous cache of weapons.
Arrest and Seizure Details
Police officers took Manoj Kumar Mallick into custody. The 37-year-old suspect, who also goes by the alias Papu, hails from Jajpur district. Authorities confiscated six semi-automatic pistols and ten live rounds of ammunition from his possession during the raid.
Mallick has a criminal history. Records show his previous arrest occurred approximately five years ago. At that time, Jajpur police linked him to a case involving abduction and rape.
Source of the Illegal Firearms
Investigators uncovered the supply chain for these weapons. Mallick allegedly procured the pistols from the Munger region in Bihar. This area maintains notorious notoriety across India for its clandestine gun manufacturing units.
His plan involved selling these firearms to buyers in Bhubaneswar. Police sources indicate Mallick engaged in this illegal trade for three to four years. However, this marks his first formal arrest specifically for arms trafficking activities.
Client Network and Ongoing Investigation
The smuggler's clientele reportedly included individuals involved in serious criminal activities. These criminals were engaged in land grabbing and illegal property possession schemes within the capital city.
Police are now intensifying their probe. A primary focus involves identifying the intended buyers for the seized weapons. Detectives are also examining whether Mallick operated as part of a more extensive criminal syndicate. Officials stated they are exploring all possible angles to trace the complete supply chain.
Their goals include identifying financiers and uncovering other persons connected to this racket.
Police Statement and Operation Background
Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh provided details on the operation. "Acting on a coordinated intelligence tip-off, the SCU executed a surveillance operation targeting illegal firearms trade in Bhubaneswar," Singh said. "Six semi-automatic pistols and ten live bullets were seized. A thorough investigation continues to trace the supply chain and identify broader networks involved."
The Commissionerate Police highlighted the SCU's recent performance. In just the last six months, this unit has seized at least 39 illegal firearms. They have also arrested 40 individuals involved in gun trading within the city.
Preventing Future Crimes and Public Appeal
Officials emphasized the critical importance of these seizures. They stated that such operations actively prevent serious crimes by disrupting the weapon supply to criminal groups.
"Had the weapons not been seized, they would have landed in the hands of criminals for committing crimes," Commissioner Singh warned. He made a public appeal to help combat arms smuggling. "To combat arms smuggling, we urge the community to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. Informers' identities will be kept strictly confidential."
The police have established a dedicated channel for public cooperation. Citizens can contact the Special Crime Unit between 10 am and 8 pm. They can share information related to illegal arms activities, drug trafficking, and other organized crimes by calling 0674-2916383.
