Patna Police Uncover Major Illegal Arms Haul Following Land Dispute Violence
In a significant crackdown on illegal weaponry, police in Patna district recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition from two brothers in Jalalpur village under the Kewra outpost on Saturday morning. This operation was initiated after reports surfaced of an exchange of fire between two groups embroiled in a land dispute, highlighting ongoing tensions in the area.
Swift Police Action Prevents Escalation
City SP (east) Parichay Kumar detailed that upon receiving information about the firing incident, the in-charge of Kewra OP promptly rushed to the scene and requested reinforcement from Pipra police station. This rapid response was crucial in preventing further violence and ensuring public safety. During an intensive combing operation launched to curb any additional clashes, authorities took Aniket Kumar and Nitish Kumar, sons of Kaleshwar Prasad Singh, into custody.
Extensive Recovery of Illegal Weapons and Ammunition
From the possession of the accused, police seized a staggering array of illegal items, including:
- 341 rounds of 7.65 mm live bullets
- One country-made rifle
- One weapon resembling a country-made carbine
- One pistol
- Three magazines
- Two walkie-talkies
- Four pistol covers
- Five empty bullet boxes, believed to have previously contained around 200 rounds
This recovery underscores the severity of the illegal arms trade in the region and the potential for such weapons to fuel conflicts.
Questionable Explanations and Ongoing Investigation
When interrogated about the recovered arms and ammunition, the accused failed to provide a satisfactory explanation. They claimed that the bullets had been procured from Nagaland but were evasive regarding whether the consignment was intended for sale or personal use. Additionally, they asserted that the empty bullet boxes were remnants from celebratory firing conducted over the past few years, a statement that authorities are treating with skepticism.
SP Parichay Kumar confirmed that a case has been registered against the two individuals at Kewra OP under relevant legal sections. The investigation is currently focused on tracing the source of the ammunition, identifying the supply chain, and determining the actual purpose behind possessing such a large quantity of arms and bullets. This probe aims to dismantle broader networks involved in illegal arms trafficking and prevent future incidents.
The seizure highlights the persistent challenges law enforcement faces in curbing illegal arms proliferation, particularly in areas prone to disputes over land and resources. Authorities have emphasized their commitment to maintaining order and ensuring that such caches do not fall into the wrong hands, potentially averting more serious violence in the community.
