Ghazipur – A joint operation by the district’s SWAT team and Kotwali police resulted in the detention of three locals suspected of transporting a sizable consignment of contraband firearms into the city.
Large‑Scale Weapon Confiscation
Authorities acted near Kaithwalia Pulia and uncovered a stash containing 38 guns: 19 handguns, 19 locally manufactured rifles and 18 cartridges. The team also recovered three mobile phones, a motorcycle and a modest cash amount of ₹900.
Suspects Trapped While Attempting Escape
Following a tip received on Thursday night about an imminent delivery, SWAT commander Shailendra Pratap Singh and Crime Inspector Devendra Kumar Mishra sealed off the area. When the three riders sensed surveillance, they tried to flee on their motorcycle, only to find themselves surrounded by the rapid‑response unit, leading to their surrender without violence.
New Leads and Ongoing Operations
The three detainees, all residents of Ghazipur, are believed to be part of an interstate trafficking network sourcing arms from Khandwa and Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh. Interrogations revealed two more accomplices, prompting police raids in nearby villages to locate the remaining members and dismantle the larger ring.
The arrests form part of a district‑wide crackdown on illegal weapons, ordered by the police chief to stem the flow of unregistered firearms across state borders.
