Jharsuguda: Brajrajnagar police on Tuesday busted an organised arms syndicate and arrested three persons, including a key supplier, for allegedly procuring and distributing illegal firearms in the region from Bihar.
Police identified the accused as Santosh Khedkar (36) of Telenpali, Bishal Bag (30) of OPM Colony, and Banty Prasad (34) of Lamtibahal, Brajrajnagar, who is believed to be the main arms dealer.
Acting on credible intelligence, police launched a tactical field operation and intercepted the accused, who were allegedly planning to commit heinous crimes due to prior enmity. The arrests have effectively choked a local supply chain of illegal weapons being trafficked into the district from Bihar, officials said.
Police seized five country-made 7.65 mm pistols and 20 rounds of live ammunition from their possession. A motorcycle (OR-15N-7710), allegedly used for transporting the weapons, was also recovered. Officials said each firearm was being traded at around Rs. 50,000.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Banty Prasad sourced the weapons from Saran District, Bihar and supplied them locally to Khedkar and Bag. The duo was intercepted while carrying two loaded pistols each, concealed in their waistbands, indicating imminent use in violent activities.
Jharsuguda SP G R Raghavendra said, “ Jharsuguda Police has achieved a significant breakthrough in the illegal arms trafficking case detected under Brajrajnagar Police Station. During investigation and interrogation of the arrested accused persons, it has come to light that the accused are habitual offenders with extensive criminal antecedents involving offences such as robbery, attempt to murder, dacoity preparation, house breaking, assault, extortion and multiple Arms Act cases.
The prime accused has been previously involved in several criminal cases registered at Brajrajnagar, Orient, Charmal, Dhanupali, and other police stations. Their criminal history shows repeated involvement in violent crimes and unlawful possession of firearms. Preliminary investigation indicates that the accused were actively involved in procuring illegal weapons and using them for criminal intimidation and planned offences in the area. Their activities posed a serious threat to public peace and safety. Police have intensified their investigation to trace backwards and forward linkages of the interstate arms supply chain, identify associates, and verify involvement in other pending criminal incidents. Further arrests and seizures are likely. Jharsuguda Police remains committed to taking firm action against organised criminals and ensuring the safety of the public.”
