In a major crackdown against organised crime, Rourkela’s Plantsite Police Station apprehended Rajesh Sahu, a 25-year-old illegal arms trafficker from Bihar, on August 7, 2025.
Acting on precise intelligence, a team led by Sub-Inspector S. Pradhan conducted a raid near Gandhi Road, seizing 10 country-made pistols, 7 magazines (including 2 empty), and 6 live rounds of ammunition from Sahu’s possession. The arrest is part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal arms trafficking spearheaded by Rourkela SP Nitesh Wadhwani.
Sahu, hailing from Masumganj, Asarganj, Munger, Bihar, and currently residing in Railway Colony, Rimjhim Basti, Rourkela, has a prior criminal record, including a case in Rajgangpur PS (Case No. 54, dated 04.02.2025) under Section 302(2) BNS and Sections 25/27 of the Arms Act.
The seized firearms bore markings such as “MADE IN USA,” “MADE IN CHINA,” and “KING KGF,” indicating a sophisticated smuggling network sourcing weapons from Bihar and Jharkhand for sale to criminals in Rourkela.
Since October 2024, Rourkela Police have intensified efforts to curb illegal arms trafficking, registering 13 cases across various police stations, arresting 52 individuals, and seizing 27 firearms.
The latest operation, registered as Plantsite PS Case No. 604 under Sections 25(1-B)(a) and 25(8) of the Arms Act, underscores the police’s commitment to dismantling arms rackets and ensuring public safety. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the broader network behind this illicit trade.
SP Nitesh Wadhwani’s proactive measures have been pivotal in addressing the rising threat of gun-related crimes in Rourkela. The police continue to maintain strict vigilance to prevent further proliferation of illegal firearms in the region.
