In a decisive strike against illegal arms trafficking, Khandapada police in Nayagada district arrested three men and recovered four country-made guns on Sunday.
The accused had allegedly been stockpiling the weapons at home for a long time and using them for anti-social activities.
The arrested are Rabindra Nahak (21) of Barapalli Tanglasahi under Shikharapur Panchayat in Khandapada block, Rabindra Pradhan (25) of Sanhamara village under Yogiapalli Panchayat, and Kabul Maharan (45) of Malisahi village under Nuagaon block.
Acting on specific intelligence and under the direction of Khandapada SDPO Saroj Kumar Sahu, teams led by Station Officer Krutibas Harichandan conducted coordinated raids.
A team headed by SI Manasmita Sahu and ASI Shankar Kumar Padhi first raided the homes linked to the two Rabindras and recovered the four illegal desi guns. Later, the Station Officer led a raid in Malisahi that resulted in the arrest of Kabul Maharan for his alleged role in the racket.
All three were produced in court on Sunday. To intensify efforts against such illegal arms dealing, police have formed a special team under SI Tulu Biswal.
