Joint Police Operation Uncovers Major Illegal Arms Manufacturing Unit in Bihar
A significant joint operation by the Kolkata Police Special Task Force (STF), Bihar Police STF, and Madhusudanpur police has resulted in the busting of a clandestine illegal firearms manufacturing unit operating from a residential building in Bihar's Bhagalpur district. The raid, conducted based on intelligence developed by the Kolkata Police STF, led to the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of numerous semi-finished pistols along with sophisticated machinery used for weapon production.
Election-Related Smuggling Attempt Foiled
According to police sources, the gang was actively involved in attempting to smuggle arms ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal. This discovery highlights ongoing security concerns surrounding electoral processes in the region and underscores the importance of inter-state police coordination in combating organized crime.
Details of the Raid and Location
The operation was executed on the first floor of a house owned by Md Nasir Ansari, located in Rahamatbagh under Bhagalpur's Madhusudanpur Police Station. Interestingly, the ground floor of the building functioned as a legitimate spinning mill, providing a cover for the illegal activities taking place upstairs. This setup allowed the unit to operate discreetly, manufacturing weapons in a residential area.
Arrests and Seizures
Additional Commissioner of Police Solomon V Nesakumar confirmed that five people were arrested on the spot during the raid. The arrested individuals include a co-owner of the unit and four skilled arms makers, with four of them being residents of Kashimbazar in Munger, Bihar—a region historically known for illegal arms production.
Police recovered a substantial cache of items from the site, including:
- 20 semi-finished 7.65 mm pistols
- Eight pistol barrels
- A variety of industrial machinery and tools
The seized equipment comprised a lathe machine, two milling machines, a drill machine, a grinding and polishing machine, a hand grinder, and a large quantity of tools and raw materials essential for firearms manufacturing. This haul indicates a well-equipped operation capable of producing significant numbers of illegal weapons.
Implications and Ongoing Investigations
This bust represents a major blow to illegal arms networks operating across state borders. The collaboration between Kolkata and Bihar police forces demonstrates effective intelligence-sharing and operational synergy in tackling such criminal enterprises. Authorities are continuing their investigations to uncover further links and potential smuggling routes, particularly in relation to the upcoming elections in Bengal.
