In a major breakthrough, the Bhopal Crime Branch has arrested eight individuals, including the kingpin, traffickers, and buyers, for allegedly supplying illegal country-made pistols and firearms from the Sikligar region in Barwani and Khargone districts to the underground gun market in Bhopal. The arrests came after a criminal was caught with an illegal pistol about a week ago.
Investigation and Arrests
Based on the disclosure of the apprehended criminal, the Crime Branch team traced the main supplier for the first time. The kingpin used to purchase country-made pistols from Sikligar for approximately Rs10,000 and sell them to traffickers in Bhopal for Rs20,000. These weapons were then sold to buyers in the city for prices ranging from Rs25,000 to Rs30,000.
Criminal Records
Crime Branch officials revealed that a case under the Arms Act had already been registered against the kingpin five years ago. Most of the arrested accused also have criminal records. The police are further investigating the network to uncover more links in the illegal arms supply chain.
The operation highlights the ongoing efforts of the Bhopal police to curb the illegal arms trade in the region. The seized weapons will be sent for forensic analysis, and the accused are being interrogated to gather more intelligence on the supply routes and other buyers.
