Did Delhi Police Successfully Uncover an Illegal Arms Factory in Aligarh?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Delhi Police dismantled an illegal arms manufacturing unit.
- Three individuals, including the mastermind, were arrested.
- Investigations indicate a broader illegal arms network.
- Authorities seized a large cache of weapons and production materials.
- The bust emphasizes the need for inter-state cooperation in combating arms trafficking.
New Delhi, Sep 2 (NationPress) In a significant operation against the illegal arms trade, the Delhi Police's Sarai Rohilla station has successfully dismantled a large-scale illicit firearm production facility located in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.
Following intelligence obtained during a shooting case probe, the Sarai Rohilla police launched a series of coordinated raids, culminating in the arrest of three suspects, including the alleged mastermind of the operation.
According to North District DCP Raja Banthia, the inquiry commenced after an FIR was filed on the night of August 11-12.
A woman reported that her brother, Shubham alias Lala, had been shot by a minor. Upon the minor's arrest, he admitted to acquiring the firearm used in the attack from Vijay alias Bunty, who resides in Aligarh.
A tactical team, led by SHO Vikas Rana and overseen by ACP Anil Sharma, executed synchronized raids in Aligarh and Mathura. On August 27, they apprehended Bunty in Ganga Garhi, Aligarh, seizing one live cartridge and five empty shells. Further questioning led to the capture of Bijender Singh alias Madhura, 61, in Mathura on August 30.
Authorities discovered a video on his phone showcasing the production of over 70 illegal firearms.
The operation reached a pivotal moment on September 1 when police raided a makeshift factory on Jattari Pishawa Road, Aligarh.
Inside two secured rooms, officers uncovered six completed pistols, 12 unfinished pistols, six live cartridges, materials for over 250 additional weapons, and tools such as drills and blow machines.
The alleged mastermind, Hanveer alias Hannu alias Pappu, 60, confessed to manufacturing and distributing over 1,200 illegal firearms in the last twenty years, frequently altering locations to evade capture.
The police confiscated a substantial cache of weapons and related equipment from the Aligarh facility.
Investigators are also probing the criminal histories of the suspects and believe there may be an extensive supply network involved. Authorities suspect that the weapons could have been circulated across various states.
Ongoing investigations aim to identify buyers and associates linked to the illegal arms trade.
This operation underscores the ongoing issue of illicit arms trafficking in northern India, emphasizing the urgent need for inter-state cooperation to dismantle such networks.