Baripada: Police have busted an illegal arms producing unit and arrested one person in this connection in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district.
Speaking to media persons here on Monday, Mayurbhanj SP Batula Gangadhar said following killing of a Forester allegedly by poachers in Similipal Tiger Reserve in the district recently, the police launched an extensive search operation.
“During the intelligence-based operation, the police detected the illegal arms production unit running from the house of a villager. The unit was run by Jitu Lohar of Bejidiha village under Mahulidiha police station,” said the SP.
The search team seized a single barrel gun, 4 barrels, 2 barrel sockets and one welding machine from the house.
“At present, 4 teams of police have been engaged to conduct search operation in the area. We will continue to track the persons engaged in production, dealing and sale of arms,” the SP said.
In another case, the police conducted search operation on the basis of reliable inputs in the area under the same police station. During the search, they seized pangolin scales from the house of Mansingh Ho of Patrapada village.
Both Jitu and Mansingh have been arrested.
The SP also appealed to the people to inform about such persons who are involved in illegal arms dealings. He warned the poachers of strict actions and told them to surrender before police.