Massive illegal weapons racket busted in Nanded, Maharashtra; Police seize around 5000 weapons; traces for illegal trade underway
Nanded investigators are examining whether the weapons were being distributed outside Maharashtra and whether the racket has interstate or even international links.
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A massive illegal arms racket has been uncovered in Maharashtra’s Nanded district, where police seized nearly 5,000 sharp-edged weapons in what is being described as the state’s largest single-day recovery of illegal arms. Acting under a special drive titled “Operation Crackdown,” officials raided a godown in the Guru Ramdas Nagar area and recovered 4,796 weapons, including swords, daggers, guptis, kukris, and folding knives. (Nanded illegal weapons)
The police, during the investigation, stated that the raids were part of a broader drive to curb the illegal arms trade and prevent criminal activities in the region. Investigators are now probing the source of the weapons, possible inter-state supply links, and if the cache was meant for distribution beyond the district.
Police estimated the value of the seized weapons at nearly Rs 43 lakh. Nanded Superintendent of Police Abinash Kumar stated that around 90 percent of the weapons appeared to be meant for criminal activities. At the same time, only a small portion may have been intended for ceremonial or religious use. (Nanded illegal weapons)
The operation was launched after police detained a suspect near Balirampur for allegedly carrying concealed weapons. During interrogation, investigators were led to the huge illegal stockpile hidden inside the godown. Police have identified the prime accused as Jaswantsingh Prakashsingh Sukhmani, who is currently absconding. Authorities have launched a manhunt to trace him and uncover other individuals connected to the network. (Nanded illegal weapons)
Investigators are also examining whether the weapons were being distributed outside Maharashtra and whether the racket has interstate or even international links. Cases have been registered under the Arms Act, and officials say stricter action will now be taken against illegal weapon suppliers allegedly operating through decorative item and gift shops.
The police, during the investigation, stated that the raids were part of a broader drive to curb the illegal arms trade and prevent criminal activities in the region. Investigators are now probing the source of the weapons, possible inter-state supply links, and if the cache was meant for distribution beyond the district.