TV
In a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on organized crime, Ganjam Police, as part of a special drive, has arrested 20 notorious criminals and seized 8 country-made firearms (mausers) along with 31 live bullets, informed police on Tuesday.
This operation marks a continued effort by the law enforcement unit to wipe out the violent criminal elements in the district and maintain law and order.
Speaking to the media, Southern Range IG Niti Shekhar confirmed that the arrested individuals were involved in multiple crimes across different parts of Ganjam district. Some of the accused had been on the run after committing murders, evading police for months, he added.
The latest arrests and arms seizure were made during targeted raids conducted by Ganjam Police, in collaboration with personnel from Berhmapur Police, particularly from Baidhyanathpur and Golanthara police stations, where several of the accused were based or active.
Authorities have also indicated a possible link between the seized firearms and illegal arms networks in Munger, Bihar—a region long known for its illicit arms manufacturing. IG Shekhar mentioned that investigations are underway to trace the origin of the weapons and dismantle the supply chain that supports criminal operations in Odisha.
Second Significant Success in Less Than Two Weeks
On May 4, Ganjam Police had apprehended 18 hardened criminals, seizing 17 country-made guns and 67 rounds of ammunition from their possession. These back-to-back operations reflect the district police’s intensified strategy to clamp down on criminal gangs operating in the region.
“The drive will continue, and we are committed to ensuring the safety and security of the public by eliminating criminal elements from the district,” IG Niti Shekhar affirmed.
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The series of arrests has created a strong message across Ganjam, especially in crime-prone areas, and has brought relief to residents who had been troubled by rising incidents of armed violence and gang activity, said locals.
