Jharsuguda: Brajrajnagar police in Odisha’s Jharsuguda have arrested three persons allegedly involved in an organised arms syndicate that was procuring and distributing illegal firearms sourced from Bihar.
The accused have been identified as Santosh Khedkar (36) from Telenpali, Bishal Bag (30) from OPM Colony, and Banty Prasad (34) from Lamtibahal, all in Brajrajnagar. Five country-made 7.65 mm pistols worth around Rs 50,000 each, 20 rounds of live ammunition, and a motorcycle used to transport the weapons were seized from the accused during the raid.
According to sources, Banty is suspected to be the primary supplier in the local arms network. He allegedly procured firearms from Saran and Vaishali districts in Bihar and supplied them to Khedkar and Bag. These weapons were reportedly used by criminals for intimidation and other offences.
Jharsuguda SP GR Raghavendra stated that the accused are habitual offenders with a long criminal history, involving serious crimes such as robbery, attempt to murder, assault, extortion, and multiple violations under the Arms Act. The accused are being interrogated to uncover further links in the supply network and identify other associates.
This development comes amid broader concerns over the influx of country-made firearms, particularly 7.65 mm pistols, often manufactured in illegal units in Bihar and trafficked to other states including Odisha.
