Rourkela Police seize firearms, mobile phones & illegal weapons; 6 criminals arrested

In a significant breakthrough, Police have once again recovered sophisticated country-made firearms from criminal elements operating in the city. Acting on intelligence inputs, a special team of the Bondamunda Police Station apprehended six accused individuals and seized a cache of illegal weapons and other items from their possession in Rourkela.

Mastermind of the criminal gang, identified as Bitu Tanti has been arrested. So far, 35 cases are registered against Bitu at different police station limits.

During the raid, the police confiscated multiple country-made gun, 15 live bullets, four magazines, and sharp weapons including a sword and dagger, and five mobile phones allegedly used for coordinating criminal activities. The operation was part of an intensified crackdown on illegal arms trade and gang activity within the city.

According to police officials, there has been a noticeable surge in the use and circulation of country-made firearms in Rourkela in recent weeks. Several incidents of firing and violent confrontations had alarmed both the public and the administration, prompting the police to enhance surveillance and launch targeted operations in vulnerable areas.

The arrested individuals are believed to be part of a local criminal network involved in arms trafficking, extortion, and other unlawful activities. Their arrest is seen as a major success in curbing the growing influence of organized crime in the industrial city.

"The recovery of weapons and arrest of these suspects is a big step toward restoring public safety," said a senior police officer. "We are interrogating the accused to trace the source of the firearms and uncover any larger network operating behind the scenes,” said a senior police official

This incident comes as part of a broader effort by Police to cleanse the region of illegal arms and ensure peace and security. Authorities have promised continued vigilance and urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting suspicious movements or individuals.

The seized items have been sent for forensic examination, and further investigation is underway. Police have not ruled out more arrests in the coming days as the probe continues.