Crackdown on illegal firearms: Two persons arrested in Odisha; car and bullets seized

In a major crackdown, two persons were arrested late at night on Sunday in the Attabira area after police intercepted their car and recovered two country-made guns, seven live bullets and a vehicle. The arrests were made by the Ainthapali Police during a targeted operation following a specific intelligence tip-off, aimed at cracking down on illegal weapon possession in the region.

Police Seize Illegal Weapons

Acting on confidential information, Ainthapali Police laid a trap and stopped a car returning from Burla. During the search, officers found two country-made guns, seven live rounds, and seized the car used in the crime. Both suspects were taken into custody on the spot.

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Accused Linked to Multiple Crimes

The arrested individuals have been identified as Santanu Suhura of Hirakud and Raju Pradhan of Atabira in Bargarh district. According to the Superintendent of Police, Santanu is a hardcore criminal with multiple cases registered against him across different police stations.

Police further revealed that Raju Pradhan had procured firearms and ammunition from Bihar several years ago, suggesting a deeper network of illegal weapon procurement.

"One arrested person, named Shanatu of Hirakud and another of Atabira Police Station had many cases against them. We recovered two 7mm pistols and live ammunition. They used to keep illegal weapons, as we have information that they were going somewhere in a car carrying weapons. We have seized the vehicle, mobile and two weapons. Based on the information we have received, one year ago, he had brought that weapon from Bihar," said Mukesh Bhamu, SP, Sambalpur.

Arrest Made After Timely Intelligence

The duo was apprehended while returning from Burla, following a police tip-off. Officers intercepted their vehicle in Attabira and immediately carried out the arrest. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway to trace the source of the firearms and identify other individuals involved.