Bihar Man Arrested with Illegal Weapons Cache at Jharkhand Primary School
In a significant crackdown on illegal arms trafficking, a 54-year-old man from Bihar was arrested with a substantial cache of firearms from a primary school in Koderma district on Friday. The arrest highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat organized crime networks operating across state borders.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
The accused, identified as Rameshwar Prasad from Jehanabad in Bihar, was apprehended during a police raid at Gajhad Tola of Kataiya within the Satganwa police station limits. Prasad was found sleeping under the stairs of Gajhad Tola Primary School, where he had been using the premises as a hideout.
The police team, led by Officer-in-Charge Saurabh Kumar Sharma of Satganwa police station, conducted the operation that resulted in the seizure of multiple illegal weapons. The recovered arsenal included:
- One country-made carbine
- Four rifles
- Five live cartridges
All weapons were concealed in a plastic bag, demonstrating the accused's attempt to avoid detection. The arrest forms part of a broader district-wide campaign aimed at curbing the trafficking of illegal weapons and preventing organized crime activities.
Background and Confession of the Accused
During interrogation, Rameshwar Prasad confessed to his involvement in the illegal weapons trade. According to police statements, Prasad had transitioned from labor work to arms smuggling, procuring weapons from a supplier in Nalanda district of Bihar.
To evade law enforcement, Prasad adopted a transient lifestyle that involved hiding his weapons arsenal in nearby forests during daylight hours and returning to the school grounds at night. This pattern emerged after local villagers refused to provide him shelter, forcing him to seek refuge in the abandoned school premises.
Police Statements and Ongoing Investigation
Superintendent of Police Anudeep Singh emphasized the importance of the arrest in disrupting illegal arms networks. "The arrest was part of a district-wide campaign to curb the trafficking of illegal weapons and prevent organized crime," SP Singh stated.
The police investigation has revealed that Prasad's operation was part of a larger network. "Others linked to the network are being identified," SP Singh added, indicating that further arrests may follow as authorities continue to dismantle the smuggling operation.
Context and Implications
This incident underscores the persistent challenge of illegal arms trafficking in the region, particularly across state boundaries between Bihar and Jharkhand. The use of a primary school as a hideout raises concerns about the security of educational institutions in remote areas.
The successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated police efforts in targeting individuals involved in weapons smuggling. As authorities continue their investigation, they remain focused on identifying and apprehending additional members of the illegal arms network to ensure comprehensive disruption of these criminal activities.
