Bhubaneswar, Jan 16: In a major breakthrough against the illegal firearms trade, the Special Crime Unit of the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate has seized six semi-automatic pistols and ten rounds of live ammunition and arrested a prime suspect. The accused has been identified as Papu alias Manoj Kumar Mallick, a resident of Jajpur district.
According to an official police release, the operation was carried out around 2 am near Kuji Mahal Play Ground under the Chandaka police station limits, following a specific intelligence input. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, a special team laid a trap and successfully apprehended the suspect while he was allegedly transporting the illegal weapons.
During the search, police recovered six magazines, a mobile phone, a two-wheeler used for transportation, and Rs 500 in cash from his possession. Preliminary investigations suggest the accused was actively involved in supplying illegal firearms to criminal elements in different parts of the state.
Police officials said Mallick is currently being interrogated to extract crucial information about his network, including the source of the weapons, supply chain routes, and possible financial backers. Efforts are underway to identify and arrest other members linked to the racket.
The accused will be produced before the court as the investigation continues.
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