Illegal firearms trading gang nabbed in Bhubaneswar, 5 held

Just days before the New Year, the Special Squad of Commissionerate Police-Bhubaneswar nabbed a gang late Tuesday night involved in the unlawful trade of firearms. Police have arrested five persons in this connection.

According to sources, the arrests were conducted during a ‘nakabandi’, a method used in India, where police set up checkpoints to intercept and inspect vehicles. This strategy is a common enforcement action aimed at curbing illegal activities. The arrested persons have existing criminal records in Bhubaneswar, Puri, Cuttack, Khordha, and Jagatsinghpur. 

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Several cases are pending against the five history-sheeters at different police stations.

During the crackdown, the police team seized five firearms, 15 rounds of live bullets, Rs 84,000 in cash, and a car from the possession of the arrested persons. The apprehended individuals include notorious Chandan Pradhan and four other suspects from Khordha district.

“Police have been striving to crack down on criminal activities and to keep the State Capital free from them. In this spree, police successfully nabbed a gang during ‘nakabandi’ late last night. The police team seized at least five firearms including two revolvers and three country-made guns,” Twin City Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh expressed in a presser on Wednesday.

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“Fifteen rounds of live bullets, Rs 84,000 in cash, and a car was also seized,” Singh stated.

“The gang was planning to commit loot when the accused were intercepted by the police team leading to their arrests. As criminal cases are still pending against five accused, we will pray the court for cancellation of bails of those who are on bail,” the senior cop added.

A detailed probe is underway following the seizure and arrests, the Commissioner said.