Cuttack cops bust inter-state arms smuggling syndicate ahead of 2024 elections; ATM cash van was on target

The Commissionerate Police, which has intensified its special drive against illegal arms ahead of the 2024 general elections, arrested three members of an inter-state arms smuggling syndicate on Monday. Four weapons and 12 rounds of live ammunition have been seized from the gang.

Two members of the gang, who are still absconding, have also been identified and efforts are on to nab them, informed cops.

At a presser, Cuttack DCP Kanwar Vishal Singh informed that the criminals had set a target to loot ATM cash van in adjoining districts of the city.

It is pertinent to mention here that criminals had looted over Rs 1.67 crore from an ATM cash van under Tigiria Police limits of Cuttack district in November last year. Subsequently, over 7 accused were nabbed in connection with the crime.

Moreover, the criminals’ gang used to procure firearms from Munger area in Bihar. The three members of the gang were nabbed based on an operation after getting credible inputs regarding the movement of a key member of the group. After the key accused was nabbed, he then revealed the names of other members of the gang who were subsequently nabbed.

“Our special team will be sent to Bihar to carry out further investigation into the case. We have got some leads and appropriate legal action will be taken with assistance from Munger police,” said Singh.