Angul: An illegal arms trader was arrested in a joint operation by STF and Angul police on Saturday.
Acting on a tip-off regarding illegal sale and possession of firearms by miscreants in Angul and Sambalpur districts, the police conducted a raid near Kerjang village under Chhendipada police station of Angul district and intercepted one person identified as Ratnakar Kalta of Sarapali in Sambalpur.
“At least eight country-made firearms and seven rounds of ammunition along with other incriminating materials were recovered from his possession. A case was registered at Chhendipada police station under the Arms Act, 1959,” an STF official said.
“A drive against illegal arms and ammunition has been launched since 2020 and STF alone has seized at least 64 firearms and 98 rounds of live ammunition,” he added.
Sources said the police were trying to ascertain if the accused was part of a bigger gang.
