Kandhamal police busts country-made firearms unit; 3 firearms seized, accused arrested

Kandhamal Police has busted an illegal country-made firearms manufacturing unit in Pangapaju village under Katingia panchayat of Gochhapada police limits in the district on Thursday. The accused, identified as Banchhanidhi Bindhani, has been arrested for allegedly manufacturing weapons at the makeshift facility, police said.

During the raid, police seized three country-made guns, one pistol, ten iron barrels, and a large quantity of equipment used for making firearms.

Officials said Bindhani had also been arrested in 2016 in a similar case involving illegal arms production. After being released on bail, he allegedly resumed operating the clandestine factory.

Police added that the Gochhapada region is Maoist-affected and known for cannabis cultivation, raising questions about who was purchasing the firearms being produced.

Kandhamal SP said an investigation is underway to trace possible buyers and determine whether the weapons were being supplied to extremist or criminal networks.

“One person, Banchhanidhi Bindhani, has been arrested for illegally manufacturing country-made guns. Further investigation is on to ascertain other people’s involvement and arrest them. He was arrested in 2016 for his involvement in a similar case. After being released on bail, he again started manufacturing guns,” said Harisha B.C, Kandhamal SP.

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Meanwhile, further investigation in this connection is underway.