In a significant operation against the illegal arms trade, the Special Task Force (STF) Bulandshahr unit has busted a clandestine arms manufacturing facility operating in the Quarsi police station area of Aligarh. The operation, based on precise intelligence inputs, was conducted late Monday evening and resulted in the arrest of three individuals directly involved in the illegal weapons racket.
Accused Identified
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
Arshad, son of Hasmat
Bablu, son of Hashim
Manoj, son of Kishan
All three accused are residents of Aligarh and are believed to have been running the illegal operation from a rented premises, away from the public eye. Preliminary interrogation suggests that they were part of a local arms manufacturing and distribution syndicate, potentially with links to criminal gangs operating across western Uttar Pradesh.
Massive Arms Seizure
During the raid, STF personnel recovered a sizable cache of illegal arms and weapon-making tools, including:
Over a dozen finished and semi-finished country-made pistols (desi katta)
Barrels, springs, and trigger mechanisms
Drilling and cutting equipment, commonly used in firearm assembly
Raw materials such as iron rods, welding supplies, and molds
STF officials stated that the factory had the capacity to produce several functional weapons every week, which were likely sold to criminal elements and possibly used in crimes across the region.
Modus Operandi
According to STF sources, the accused used traditional methods of gun-making passed down through local black-market channels, making them easily accessible to low-level criminals.
The factory was operating in a semi-residential locality, camouflaged to avoid suspicion. Neighbors reportedly had no idea of the activities taking place inside the premises.
Wider Nexus Suspected
Authorities suspect that this unit may be just one node in a larger network of illegal arms suppliers active across western UP and adjoining states. The STF is now analyzing mobile data, financial transactions, and interrogation transcripts to identify upstream suppliers and downstream buyers.
Officials are also investigating whether the weapons were being funneled to extremist outfits, dacoit gangs, or even used in inter-gang violence and political intimidation.
Legal Action and Investigation
The arrested individuals have been booked under multiple sections of the Arms Act and Indian Penal Code (IPC). They are currently in police custody and will be presented before a magistrate after further interrogation.
Public Safety Concerns
The discovery of yet another illegal arms factory underscores the persistent threat posed by unregulated weapons in the state. With elections approaching and rising criminal activities in certain districts, agencies are on high alert to prevent the proliferation of such arms.
The STF has vowed to continue its crackdown and urged the public to report suspicious activities that may indicate illegal arms manufacturing or trafficking.