Ranchi Police Crack Down on Illegal Arms Racket, Arrest Suppliers and Criminals
In a significant crackdown on illegal arms trafficking, Ranchi police have arrested two key suppliers and multiple armed criminals following coordinated raids conducted on Sunday. The operations, carried out under the jurisdictions of Itki and Lapung police stations, led to the seizure of several firearms and ammunition, as confirmed by authorities on Monday.
Arrests and Seizures in Itki and Lapung Police Station Limits
Superintendent of Police (Rural) Praveen Pushkar detailed the arrests, stating that arms dealers Shravan Singh and Suka Oroan, along with a purchaser named Charo Minz, were apprehended under Itki PS limits. Simultaneously, another individual identified as Ashish was arrested with arms under Lapung PS. A minor accompanying Ashish has also been detained in connection with the case.
Pushkar revealed that both Ashish and Shravan have criminal histories. Ashish is an accused in six cases registered across Ranchi district, while Shravan faces charges in a case filed at Itki PS. The police seized a significant cache of weapons from the arrested individuals, including:
- One six-round revolver
- Two country-made pistols
- Three cartridges
- One bullet
- A motorcycle used in the crimes
Police Action Based on Intelligence Tip-Off
The operation was initiated after police received credible intelligence regarding two individuals moving from Bedo towards Lapung with arms, intending to commit a crime. A specialized team was formed under the leadership of Bedo Deputy SP Asok Ram, which conducted a raid leading to the arrest of Ashish and the minor. According to the SP, both suspects had planned to loot people in an isolated area, highlighting the imminent threat they posed to public safety.
Interrogation Reveals Supply Chain from Lohardaga District
During interrogation, the accused disclosed that the arms were purchased from Shravan and Suka, both residents of Dola village in Itki. Acting on this information, police arrested the duo from their homes and recovered the country-made pistol and six-round revolver based on their statements. Additionally, Chanu, who had purchased a pistol from the suppliers, was apprehended with the weapon in his possession.
Further investigation uncovered that the arms suppliers sourced their weapons from Lohardaga district, indicating a broader network of illegal arms trade in the region. This revelation underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to dismantle such networks and curb the flow of illicit firearms.
The arrests and seizures mark a crucial step in Ranchi police's campaign against illegal arms trafficking, aiming to enhance security and prevent violent crimes in the area. Authorities have emphasized continued vigilance and proactive measures to address similar threats in the future.
