Major Arms Smuggling Bust in Pratapgarh: Police Arrest Two, Seize Six Illegal Firearms
In a significant crackdown on illegal arms trafficking, the Pratapgarh police on Friday arrested two active smugglers and seized a cache of six illegal firearms, along with ammunition, magazines, and a vehicle. The operation was executed following precise intelligence gathered through surveillance and informants by the Mandhata police station and the special anti-theft squad, under the direct supervision of Superintendent of Police Deepak Bhukar.
Details of the Arrested Individuals and Seized Items
The arrested individuals have been identified as 30-year-old Shahbaz, son of Sharif, a cross-district arms smuggler from Dhema village in Mandhata, and 55-year-old Anil Mishra, son of Ramdular Mishra, a local smuggler from Pure Torai village in Jethwara. During a raid conducted near the Hansi Jaichand Yadav basti intersection, police intercepted a white Brezza car with registration number UP70 HU4553, which was being driven by Shahbaz.
From the vehicle, authorities confiscated a substantial arsenal, including:
- One .32 bore pistol
- One .32 bore revolver
- Four 315 bore pistols
- Two magazines
- Eight live cartridges
In addition to the firearms, police also seized two Android mobile phones and an undisclosed amount of cash from the suspects. The vehicle itself has been impounded under section 207 of the Motor Vehicles Act as part of the ongoing investigation.
Market Value and Public Safety Implications
The operation revealed that each of the seized firearms could fetch between Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 in the illegal market, underscoring the lucrative nature of arms trafficking. This highlights the severe threat such activities pose to public safety and law and order in the region. Superintendent Bhukar emphasized that the bust is a critical step in curbing the flow of illegal weapons and enhancing community security.
Legal Actions and Recognition
Following the arrests, the police have registered a formal case under sections 3, 5, and 25 of the Arms Act at the Mandhata police station against both Shahbaz and Anil Mishra. Legal proceedings are currently underway, with authorities pursuing further investigations to dismantle any associated networks.
In recognition of their swift and effective action, the police team involved in the operation was commended by Superintendent Bhukar. He announced a cash reward of Rs 25,000 for the team, praising their diligence and prompt response in executing the raid based on actionable intelligence.
This operation marks a notable achievement in Pratapgarh's efforts to combat organized crime and illegal arms trade, reinforcing the police's commitment to maintaining public safety through proactive measures and collaborative law enforcement strategies.
