Uttar Pradesh STF Cracks Down on Illegal Arms Manufacturing Ring in Sitapur
The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against organized crime, arresting a key member of an illegal arms manufacturing and trafficking gang in Sitapur district on Tuesday. The operation led to the seizure of a substantial cache of country-made firearms and related equipment, dealing a blow to the underground weapons trade in the region.
Arrest and Raid Details
Acting on precise intelligence inputs, a dedicated STF field unit from Ayodhya conducted a targeted raid at the residence of the accused, identified as Mayaram, aged 55, from Kanjasharifpur village. The raid uncovered that Mayaram was allegedly operating an illegal arms factory from his home, where he manufactured firearms in secret. During the operation, the STF recovered a total of 10 illegal firearms, showcasing the scale of his illicit activities.
The seized arsenal included:
- One 12-bore country-made pistol
- Two 12-bore improvised firearms
- Six .315-bore pistols
- One semi-finished 12-bore weapon
In addition to the firearms, police confiscated empty cartridges of 12-bore and .315 calibre, along with various tools and machinery used for manufacturing illegal weapons. This equipment highlights the sophisticated nature of the operation, which was run discreetly from a residential setting.
Confession and Criminal History
During interrogation, Mayaram admitted to manufacturing illegal firearms as a means to support his family financially. He revealed that buyers from local and neighbouring districts would secretly contact him to purchase weapons, with each firearm sold for between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000. This admission sheds light on the economic motivations behind such criminal enterprises and the demand for illicit arms in the area.
Mayaram also confessed to having a prior criminal record, having been jailed twice earlier for the same offence under the Arms Act. This repeat offending underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in curbing such activities and the need for stringent legal measures.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
A case has been registered against Mayaram at the Talgawan police station under the Arms Act, with further legal action being pursued by the local police. DSP of STF, Pramesh Shukla, emphasized that the arrest is part of a broader effort to dismantle illegal arms networks in Uttar Pradesh.
Investigators are now probing possible links between Mayaram and a wider arms trafficking network, aiming to uncover additional accomplices and disrupt the supply chain. This ongoing investigation could lead to more arrests and seizures, as authorities work to enhance public safety and curb the proliferation of illegal weapons in the state.
The STF's successful operation in Sitapur serves as a reminder of the persistent threats posed by illegal arms manufacturing and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in combating such crimes.
