Haridwar Police Uncover Illegal Firearms Manufacturing Unit in Roorkee
In a significant crackdown, the Gangnahar police of Haridwar district conducted a raid on Monday, busting a small illegal unit engaged in the manufacturing of firearms in Roorkee. The operation led to the recovery of several country-made pistols, a rifle, and cartridges from the scene.
Arrest and Investigation Underway
The owner of the illegal unit has been arrested, and police are now delving into his criminal background and the potential supply network of the weapons. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Navneet Singh Bhullar stated, "We had received vital information from an informer about the illegal factory. The accused, in fact, ran a hereditary lathe machine workshop but started this illegal activity out of greed."
Details of the Accused and Operation
According to police reports, the accused, identified as Javed Tahir Ahmad, 40, a resident of Satti Mohalla in Roorkee, operated a machine works unit named JPS Total Solutions Workshop in Sunhera near Roorkee. At this facility, he typically carried out various lathe machine jobs, a skill passed down through generations in his family.
However, acting on a tip-off, police executed a raid at the workshop. During the search, they recovered six ready country-made firearms, commonly known as katta, an unfinished .22 bore rifle, a pistol, a large number of live cartridges and cartridge cases, along with iron and brass pipes used in the manufacture of firearms. Additionally, a substantial stock of raw material and equipment was seized.
Background and Motive
Police revealed that Javed was a skilled and experienced turner, with the profession being a family tradition. Despite this legitimate background, he was allegedly lured by the prospect of easy money and began manufacturing illegal firearms. This shift from a lawful occupation to criminal activity highlights the risks associated with illicit arms production.
Legal Actions and Ongoing Probe
Javed has been booked under the relevant sections of the Arms Act and produced before a local court, which has remanded him to judicial custody. SSP Bhullar added, "We are investigating how long he has been involved in the crime, how many illegal weapons he has manufactured and supplied so far, and who else may be associated with him in this racket."
The police are intensifying their efforts to uncover the full extent of this illegal operation, including any possible connections to broader criminal networks. This bust underscores the ongoing challenges in curbing the illegal arms trade in the region and the importance of community vigilance in reporting such activities.
