Bhubaneswar: A 55-year-old farmer was arrested by Dhenkanal Sadar police for illegally manufacturing country-made guns at his residence in Bhagirathipur.
Acting on a tip-off, the police patrol team apprehended Akura Behera while he was manufacturing firearms in his backyard. The accused attempted to flee but was successfully nabbed by the police team.
“Following the IIC Sadar’s directives, we reached the village after receiving statements from two independent witnesses who confirmed the illegal manufacturing activities,” said ASI Rebati Pradhan, who led the operation.
Police seized three half-made country-made guns along with manufacturing equipment, including a hammer, drill machine, screwdriver, cutter, and various other tools from the accused’s possession.
During interrogation, Behera confessed to manufacturing the weapons with the intention of selling them to criminals. Sources revealed that the accused, primarily a farmer, was also involved in wildlife poaching and supplied guns to other poachers in the area.
The accused was produced before a local court. Further investigation is underway to uncover potential links to criminal networks in the region.