In a significant blow to organized criminal networks, the Latehar district police in Jharkhand concluded a year-long major offensive in 2023, resulting in the arrest of 66 individuals involved in illicit activities. Superintendent of Police (SP) Kumar Gaurav announced the successful operation and pledged to further intensify measures to curb such crime in the coming year.
Widespread Operations and Major Seizures
Detailing the crackdown, SP Kumar Gaurav informed that a total of 23 separate cases related to organized crime were registered across various police stations in the district between January 1 and December 19, 2023. The police action led to substantial seizures of illegal arms and equipment, critically disrupting the supply chains of local gangs.
The recovered arsenal included:
- Six country-made bombs
- Sixteen country-made pistols
- Three desi kattas
- Eighty-four rounds of live ammunition
- Three magazines
- Thirty-nine mobile phones
- Eight motorcycles used in criminal activities
International Link Uncovered: Pakistani Arms Trail
The most startling revelation from the investigation points to an international arms linkage. The police recovered an Austrian-made Glock pistol from a hitman associated with the notorious Rahul Singh gang. The origin of this sophisticated weapon was uncovered following the deportation of gangster Mayank Singh from Azerbaijan to India.
"Gangster Mayank Singh was deported to India from Azerbaijan. He told the police about this Glock pistol being used in Rahul Singh’s network, having arms linkage to Pakistan," SP Gaurav added, highlighting the transnational dimensions of the local crime syndicate's operations.
Sustained Vigilance for the Coming Year
Asserting a zero-tolerance policy, SP Kumar Gaurav made it clear that the police force's campaign against organized crime is far from over. He stated that the strategies and measures employed in 2023 would be further heightened in 2024 to ensure continued pressure on criminal elements and maintain public safety across the Latehar district.
The comprehensive crackdown, which combined intelligence gathering, coordinated raids, and inter-agency cooperation, marks one of the most decisive actions against organized crime in the region in recent times, setting a precedent for ongoing law enforcement efforts.
