ArmsSeizure – Joint Raid Exposes Illegal Gun Factory in Bhagalpur
ArmsSeizure – A coordinated late-night operation by security agencies from two states has uncovered an unlawful firearm manufacturing unit operating out of a residential property in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district. The joint team, comprising officials from the Special Task Force of Kolkata Police, Bihar STF, and the local Madhusudanpur Police Station, conducted the raid in Rahamatbagh village following specific intelligence inputs.
Raid Conducted at Residential Property
According to police officials, the illegal unit was being run from the ground floor of a house owned by Md. Nasir Ansari, son of Md. Gaju Salahuddin Ansari. Investigators said the accused had allegedly disguised the operation as a spinning mill to avoid suspicion within the neighborhood. The raid took place late Tuesday night after surveillance and verification of information received from West Bengal authorities.
During the search, officers discovered that the premises had been equipped with machinery and tools commonly used in small-scale firearm production. Authorities believe the operation had been functioning for some time before being detected.
Five Arrested, Several Others on the Run
Five individuals were taken into custody during the operation. Among those arrested is Md. Monazir, 21, a resident of Nathnagar in Bhagalpur. The remaining four detainees — Md. Shadab Ali, also known as Saddam, Md. Aslam alias Tinku, Md. Samsher Alam alias Chotu, and Md. Shahanawaz — are residents of Munger district. Police described them as skilled fabricators allegedly involved in assembling country-made firearms.
Officials said at least a few suspects managed to escape before the team entered the premises. Search operations are ongoing in nearby areas to apprehend those who fled.
Firearms, Machinery and Raw Materials Seized
During the raid, officers recovered 20 semi-finished 7.65 mm country-made pistols and eight pistol barrels. The team also seized one lathe machine, two milling machines, a drill machine, a grinding and polishing unit, and a hand grinder. In addition, a significant quantity of tools and raw materials used in firearm production were confiscated.
Police sources indicated that the equipment suggested systematic and organized manufacturing rather than sporadic or small-scale assembly. The recovered weapons were at various stages of completion, pointing to an active production cycle.
FIR Registered Under Arms Act
Following the arrests, Bhagalpur Police registered a First Information Report at Madhusudanpur Police Station. The case has been filed under relevant provisions of the Arms Act and sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Investigators are now examining the supply chain, financial transactions, and potential buyers linked to the seized weapons.
Senior officials confirmed that forensic examination of the seized firearms and machinery will be conducted to gather further evidence. The accused are expected to be produced before a local court as the investigation progresses.
Intelligence Input from West Bengal
Sources familiar with the operation stated that the initial lead came from the West Bengal STF, which received information about a suspected illegal arms manufacturing network operating from Bhagalpur. The intelligence was shared with Bihar authorities, leading to close coordination between agencies.
Preliminary findings suggest that the firearms were allegedly being manufactured for supply to criminal groups in West Bengal. However, investigators are continuing to verify the extent of the distribution network and whether other states were involved.
Heightened Vigil Ahead of Assembly Elections
Security agencies have intensified surveillance efforts amid concerns about the possible circulation of illegal weapons ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. Officials said coordinated actions like this are part of broader preventive measures aimed at maintaining law and order during the election period.
Police authorities emphasized that operations against illegal arms manufacturing units will continue, and strict action will be taken against those found involved in unlawful activities.