Ghazipur – A joint operation by the district’s SWAT team and Kotwali police led to the detention of three residents suspected of transporting a sizeable consignment of illegal weapons into the city.
Massive Arms Seizure
The raid took place close to Kaithwalia Pulia, where law‑enforcement uncovered a stockpile of 38 firearms: 19 pistols, 19 locally‑manufactured guns and 18 cartridges. Officers also recovered three mobile phones, a motorcycle and a modest cash amount of ₹900.
Suspects Trapped After Attempted Escape
Following an anonymous tip about an imminent weapons hand‑over, SWAT commander Shailendra Pratap Singh and Crime Inspector Devendra Kumar Mishra sealed off the area. When the three men on a motorcycle realized they were being monitored, they tried to flee, but the rapid‑response unit had already surrounded the spot, compelling them to surrender peacefully.
Ongoing Investigation and Additional Raids
All three detainees are natives of Ghazipur and are believed to be part of an interstate smuggling ring that sourced the arms from Khandwa and Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh. Interrogations revealed the existence of two more accomplices. Consequently, police have launched raids in nearby villages to apprehend the remaining members and dismantle the larger network.
The arrests form a key element of a district‑wide crackdown on illicit weapons, initiated by the police chief to stem the flow of unregistered firearms across state borders.
