Did MP Police Uncover an Illegal Arms Manufacturing Unit in Tikamgarh?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Illegal arms manufacturing exposed in Tikamgarh.
- Over 100 country-made pistols seized.
- The factory operated for 40 years under the guise of agriculture.
- Family-run business spanning three generations.
- Connections to a larger illegal arms supply network.
Bhopal, Sep 1 (NationPress) The Crime Branch of Madhya Pradesh Police has revealed the existence of an illegal arms manufacturing factory that has been operational for the past 40 years in Tikamgarh district. Country-made pistols were also being distributed to neighboring states. This illicit factory was disguised as an agricultural business, situated in a remote area of Tikamgarh district.
During a press conference on Monday, Bhopal Police Commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra informed the media that over 100 country-made pistols were seized during the raid conducted on Sunday.
Although the factory was registered under agricultural products, it was engaged in the production of country-made pistols. The operation has been a family-run enterprise for three generations,” Mishra stated.
The police operation was initiated following the interrogation of suspects arrested in Bhopal, who revealed their connections to arms suppliers from Tikamgarh. Acting on this intelligence, a Crime Branch team executed simultaneous raids in Ramgarh and Chanderi villages on Sunday, with assistance from local law enforcement,” Mishra added. Multiple locations were investigated during these raids.
In Chanderi, authorities targeted the residence of one Surendra Vishwakarma, believed to be involved in the illegal production of firearms. The team then proceeded to Ramgarh, where they discovered a large warehouse masquerading as a vehicle body fabrication and ironworks workshop. Investigators concluded that this facility was being utilized for extensive firearm production.
Authorities recovered a lathe machine, robust iron pipes for barrels, pins, spare parts, and numerous finished and semi-finished firearms from the premises. The discoveries suggest a well-organized illegal arms supply network extending beyond Tikamgarh.
Mishra emphasized that the suspects were attempting to instill fear by distributing these weapons across various regions, including Bhopal. “Pistols were also being supplied to other districts and neighboring states via Jhansi,” he noted.