Six semi-automatic pistols seized in Bhubaneswar, arms dealer arrested

The Special Crime Unit of the Commissionerate Police on Friday seized six firearms in Bhubaneswar while foiling an attempt to sell weapons allegedly brought from Bihar.

One dealer has been arrested in connection with the case, and a quantity of ammunition has also been recovered, police said. The operation was carried out when a weapons deal was reportedly underway in the city.

Accused Identified as Repeat Offender

The arrested accused has been identified as Manoj Kumar Mallick alias Pappu of Jajpur district. According to police sources, Mallick had earlier been arrested in a similar case and was later released. Despite this, he allegedly resumed his criminal activities and was operating in the Chandaka area of Bhubaneswar. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the Special Crime Unit kept the suspect under surveillance before carrying out the seizure.

S. Devdutta Singh, Police Commissioner, said, “Manoj Kumar Mallick from Jajpur district has been arrested, and six semi-automatic pistols, 10 rounds of ammunition, and mobile phones have been recovered.”

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He further added that interrogation and investigation are currently underway to determine to whom the weapons were to be supplied.

Weapons Sourced from Bihar, Probe Expands

Preliminary investigation indicates that the firearms were sourced from Bihar and were intended to be sold in Bhubaneswar. The police are now investigating who was supposed to purchase the weapons and whether a larger criminal network is linked to the racket. Officials said all possible angles are being examined to trace the supply chain and identify other individuals involved.

The Commissionerate Police stated that the Special Crime Unit is maintaining strict vigilance on illegal arms trafficking and related criminal activities in and around the capital city.