Four arrested after weapons-making unit is unearthed at abandoned brick kiln; firearms and manufacturing equipment seized
Amit Sharna/Bareilly: Ahead of the upcoming elections, Aonla police have busted an alleged illegal arms manufacturing racket operating near an abandoned brick kiln and arrested four people, police said. The action was carried out under the direction of SSP Anurag Arya and supervision of SP (South) Anshika Verma. The arrested accused have been identified as Yogendra Pratap Singh, Rajat Pratap Singh, Ram Gopal and Awadhesh. Police said 12 country-made .315-bore pistols, one pauniya, one country-made rifle and a live cartridge were recovered from the spot. Seven iron barrels, two triggers, five springs and trigger guards, along with other tools used for manufacturing firearms, were also seized. A Brezza car and four mobile phones were recovered from the accused, police said.
During interrogation, the accused allegedly told investigators that they were involved in repairing old firearms as well as manufacturing new weapons. Police also found that an Instagram account was allegedly being used to establish contact with people in other states for selling the weapons.
Investigators are now examining the social media trail, mobile phones and possible links with prospective buyers in other states to ascertain the extent of the network.
SP (South) Anshika Verma appealed to young people to stay away from social-media-fuelled showmanship and misuse of online platforms. She said social media should not be used for illegal activities and warned that such activities would invite strict action.
