Pune: : In a major crackdown on an inter-state illegal arms network, Pune police on Saturday dismantled a large-scale weapons manufacturing and supply chain operating out of Umarti village in Madhya Pradesh’s Barwani district. The coordinated operation resulted in the detention of 36 individuals and the seizure of a significant number of illegal firearms, officials confirmed.
The action was initiated after Pune police recovered several pistols in the city over the past three weeks, all of which were traced back to suppliers in Madhya Pradesh. Acting on these leads, Pune police joined forces with their MP counterparts to launch a massive raid.
During the joint combing operation, officers discovered 50 makeshift furnaces allegedly used for crafting country-made pistols. All the units were subsequently demolished as part of the crackdown.
Briefing the media, Pune Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma said, “Our investigation into cases registered at Vimantal and Kalepadal police stations pointed to multiple illegal weapon-manufacturing sites in Madhya Pradesh. Accordingly, teams from both states carried out simultaneous raids at various locations.”
He added that 36 suspects were rounded up from different arms-making spots. Over the past three weeks, city police had intercepted 21 pistols, and questioning of the arrested individuals revealed that the arms were being sourced from MP, prompting the large-scale operation.
“This is a well-organized weapons supply chain. We are now tracking down the masterminds responsible for sending arms to Pune. Several more people are suspected to be involved, and the investigation is continuing,” Sharma noted.
The operation involved a 105-member police team from Pune, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Somay Munde, and is considered one of the largest actions taken recently against illegal weapon manufacturers in the region.
