Bhubaneswar: Two inter-state arms dealers from Bihar were arrested and several weapons seized by the police after officers posed as customers during a planned operation in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.
The arrests were made after the Special Crime Unit (SCU) launched an operation to prevent a major crime. A carbine, five semi-automatic pistols, nine live bullets and two mobile phones were seized from their possession.
Police said investigation is underway from multiple angles to trace others involved in the illegal arms racket.
The arrests come weeks after an AIIMS Bhubaneswar employee was shot dead on October 13, which prompted a detailed probe. During the investigation, police found that the firearms used in several recent incidents were reportedly manufactured in Bihar’s Munger.
The two accused were nabbed after a carefully executed plan. Police officers contacted previously arrested criminals to obtain the phone numbers of the two and later paid an advance amount while posing as buyers.
When the accused reached the designated location in Bhubaneswar, the waiting police team detained them. The accused were allegedly led to believe they would receive a large payment in lakhs if they supplied the weapons.
According to police sources, the duo procured firearms from Munger, where they are manufactured, and sold them across various states at higher prices. The mastermind behind the syndicate is still absconding, and the Commissionerate Police is reportedly coordinating with Bihar Police to trace other suspects.
