Nayagarh police busts illegal arms factory in Odisha forest

In a significant crackdown, the Nayagarh police force has dismantled an illicit firearms manufacturing unit situated deep within the forests of Daspalla in Odisha. Following a tip-off, coordinated efforts between Nayagarh and Daspalla police led to a raid in the dense jungle, revealing an operation that had been producing illegal weapons for several months.

Operation Details

During the operation, three individuals were arrested: Rajesh Pradhan, Bibhuti Parida, and Tapan Parida, all of whom are residents of Dwaragaon in Daspalla. However, one suspect remains at large as police intensify their search efforts.

“We are committed to dismantling this network,” stated Nayagarh Superintendent of Police (SP) in a press briefing, assuring swift action against any others involved. He also affirmed that attempts are ongoing to apprehend any additional suspects linked to this illegal enterprise.

“Their modus operandi is that they illegally manufacture the firearms and supply them to poachers and also civilians for substantial amounts. We also have information that they are providing firearms to several anti-socials who use them for extortion and dacoits. We are also verifying if they have any criminal cases against their names,” SP S. Susree told mediapersons. 

Seized Items and Police Response

The raid resulted in the seizure of two country-made pistols, along with various equipment and other lethal weapons, highlighting the scale of the operation. The authorities have pledged persistent efforts to root out and dismantle any remaining elements of this illegal network.

During the raid, authorities have also confiscated two homemade guns, along with the apparatus used for their production and a range of lethal weapons. The discovery of such a factory raises concerns about the proliferation of unregulated arms in the region, prompting increased vigilance by law enforcement agencies.