Rudrapur Police Encounter Leads to Arrest of Two Alleged Arms Suppliers
In a dramatic late-night operation, police in Rudrapur arrested two alleged arms suppliers following an encounter near Modi Maidan on Sunday. The incident resulted in one of the accused sustaining a bullet injury to his leg, highlighting the ongoing crackdown on illegal arms trafficking in the region.
Surveillance Operation Uncovers Illegal Arms Deal
According to police reports, the Special Operations Group (SOG) was actively conducting surveillance against illegal arms trafficking in the district. Acting on a crucial tip-off, authorities learned that a man involved in supplying illegal firearms was expected to arrive near Modi Maidan to deliver a consignment. This intelligence prompted the team to set up a trap at the location.
During the operation, police spotted two suspects waiting at the site. They were identified as Bunty Koli, a 24-year-old resident of Rampura in Rudrapur, and Manoj Kumar, a 22-year-old from Chanden village in the Bilaspur area of Rampur district, Uttar Pradesh.
Encounter Erupts as Police Attempt Interception
As police moved to intercept the suspects, Bunty Koli allegedly opened fire on the team. In response, the police retaliated in self-defence, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Ganpati stated, "When the accused opened fire on the police, the team retaliated in self-defence and arrested both the suspects." This confrontation resulted in Koli sustaining a bullet injury to his leg, for which he was subsequently admitted to the district hospital for medical treatment.
Significant Seizure of Illegal Firearms and Ammunition
Following the arrest, police conducted a search and seized a substantial cache of illegal firearms and other items. The confiscated materials included:
- 10 country-made weapons: nine .315 bore pistols and one .30 bore pistol.
- 27 live cartridges.
- A motorcycle used by the accused.
- An undisclosed amount of cash.
This seizure underscores the severity of the illegal arms trade in the area and the risks associated with such criminal activities.
Legal Action and Charges Filed
A case has been officially registered at the Transit Camp police station. The charges include sections 109 and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which relate to attempt to commit culpable homicide and organised criminal activity involving weapons. Additionally, sections 3, 5, 25, 26, and 27 of the Arms Act have been invoked, covering illegal possession, manufacture, transportation, and use of firearms. These legal measures reflect the authorities' commitment to tackling organised crime and ensuring public safety.
The arrest of Bunty Koli and Manoj Kumar marks a significant victory for law enforcement in Rudrapur, as they continue to combat the illicit arms trade that poses a threat to community security. The operation demonstrates the effectiveness of proactive surveillance and swift police action in disrupting criminal networks.
