Inter-state arms smuggler from Munger held by STF

PRAYAGRAJ, Feb 25 (HS): In a major breakthrough, Special Task Force, Uttar Pradesh apprehended an inter-state arms smuggler identified as Guddu Kumar, son of Ram Lal Mandal and resident of Munger district in Bihar from Civil Lines bus depot, Prayagraj and recovered four pistols (Made in USA) and four magazines of .32 bore on Wednesday evening.

Sleuths of STF received a tip off from an informer and the trap was laid. The mobile of arms smuggler was put on surveillance and police arrested him, when he alighted from a bus at Civil Lines depot.

A STF official while speaking to HS revealed that these duplicate pistols from Munger are sold at affordable prices in UP, MP and Rajasthan. “Hence, Munger is still giving stiff competition to Khandwa in MP. The guns made in Munger are more sophisticated and lighter in weight,” he said, adding that these arms had also made inroads in NCR region, Haryana and Punjab as well.

On the marketing strategy, he said contrary to MP gangs, who smuggle firearms in bulk, those in Munger, Bihar use human couriers. “Our investigations have revealed that they search for needy youths and lure them with handsome commission. These youths bring in arms, usually one or two at a time by bus. Initially, the gangs tried to sneak in 10-12 guns at a time, but many couriers got arrested. Now, they have changed strategy,” he opined. Another senior STF officer said, “People with licensed guns must be asked to submit all shells before being issued live cartridges.” The officer also hinted that licensed arms holders often sold ammunition in the grey market for a premium.