IN A major crackdown on the illegal arms trade, Jabalpur Police arrested six persons and seized 49 Chinese-made knives during coordinated raids conducted by the Crime Branch along with teams from Adhartal, Ranjhi and Panagar police stations. Additional SP (Crime), Jitendra Singh, while addressing press conference, on Sunday, informed that during night patrolling on July 19, a joint Crime Branch and Adhartal police team noticed a youth carrying a plastic bag near SBI Bank in Adhartal. The suspect attempted to flee but was apprehended after a brief chase. The accused, identified as Abhishek alias Chhinga Patel (22), was found carrying 38 Chinesemade knives. During interrogation, he allegedly disclosed that he had purchased 60 knives from a supplier in Ajmer, Rajasthan, after contacting him through a mobile number obtained via YouTube. He travelled to Ajmer Railway Station to procure the consignment and intended to distribute the knives among his associates.

 

In separate operations, Adhartal police arrested Abhishek Kol (22) with six Chinese knives and Akash alias Kala Singh (21) with two Chinese knives. Separate cases under Section 25 of the Arms Act have been registered against all three accused. Based on intelligence, Ranjhi police arrested Sahil Kevat (19) from Gandhi Maidan and Gagan Raikwar (25) near VFJ Junior Club, recovering one Chinese knife each. Both have been booked under Section 25 of the Arms Act. In another raid near the Government College on Footatal Road, Panagar police arrested Munna alias Sahil Barman (18) with one Chinese knife, and registered a case under the Arms Act. With the latest operation, police have arrested six accused and recovered a total of 49 Chinese-made knives. Investigators are now probing the supply chain and possible interstate links involved in the illegal arms trade.The police have stated that the campaign against illegal weapons will continue across the district to curb criminal activities and ensure public safety