The Special Crime Unit (SCU) of Bhubaneswar–Cuttack Commissionerate Police intercepted a major illegal arms consignment on December 5, following a tip-off about a clandestine deal involving two key suspects.
Acting on specific intelligence, the SCU team stopped a Bolero vehicle (OD 19T 7802) near Khandagiri Overbridge around 4:00 PM. The vehicle was en route from Angul to Berhampur. Officers discovered a cache of illegal firearms concealed in a bag on the middle seat.
The operation was led by DCP SCU Anup Kanungo (OPS), with support from ACP Manas Swain, SI Gagan Biswal, ASI Subrat Kumar Padhi, and Havildar Prakash Kumar Swain.
Police arrested Sumanta Naik (30) of Nua Hatasahi, Banatpal, Angul, and Soubhagya Naik (30) of Banthapur, Parjang, Dhenkanal. Investigators revealed that the duo sourced the weapons from Jharkhand and Munger, Bihar.
Seized items included:
- 2 units of 9MM pistols
- 8 units of 7.65MM pistols
- 1 automatic carbine
- 12 rounds of 9MM ammunition
- Rs 1,600 in cash
- 3 mobile phones
- Bolero vehicle used for transport
Both accused have prior criminal records. Sumanta Naik faces six cases across Banarpala, Kaniha, Nalco, and Talcher police stations, while Soubhagya Naik is linked to four cases under Parjang PS, including charges under the Arms Act and IPC.
Commissionerate Police launched a full-scale investigation to trace the supply chain, transit routes, and intended recipients. Financial probes are also underway to uncover the funding behind the arms trade.
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