Jamshedpur Police Bust Illegal Arms Trade, Arrest Three Suspects
In a significant crackdown on illegal arms trafficking, Jamshedpur police arrested three individuals involved in the sale and purchase of country-made firearms on June 2, 2025. The operation, conducted in the Kadma police station area, led to the seizure of two country-made pistols and three live cartridges, thwarting a potential criminal activity in the Steel City. The case has been registered under the Arms Act, 1959, with further investigations underway to uncover the broader network behind this illegal trade. [The Hindu] [Devdiscourse] [Avenue Mail]
Details of the Operation
Acting on a confidential tip-off, a police team led by Superintendent of Police (City) Kumar Shivashish conducted a raid on Marine Drive Road near the Kharkhai River in the Ramnagar area, under the jurisdiction of the Kadma police station. The operation took place on Monday, June 2, 2025, when the suspects attempted to flee but were apprehended after a brief chase. The arrested individuals were identified as Lalit Yadav (33), Rakesh Kumar (30), both buyers, and Sharukh Khan (29), an alleged arms dealer with a prior criminal record. [The Hindu] [Devdiscourse] [Avenue Mail]
Seized Items and Charges
During the raid, police recovered a loaded country-made pistol with a magazine containing two live cartridges, a country-made firearm (katta), and one additional live round. According to reports, Sharukh Khan was at the location to sell the firearms to Lalit Yadav and Rakesh Kumar, with the price set at approximately ₹40,000 per weapon. There are unconfirmed reports of a test firing conducted by the suspects prior to the deal, though this is still under investigation. A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered under relevant sections of the Arms Act, 1959, which regulates the possession, manufacture, and sale of arms and ammunition in India. [The Hindu] [Devdiscourse] [Prabhat Khabar]
The Arms Act, 1959
The Arms Act, 1959 is a critical piece of legislation aimed at curbing the illegal proliferation of weapons to ensure public safety. Key provisions include:
- Section 3: Prohibits the acquisition, possession, or carrying of firearms or ammunition without a valid license.
- Section 5: Bans the manufacture, sale, transfer, or repair of arms or ammunition without proper authorization.
- Section 25: Prescribes penalties for illegal possession, manufacturing, or sale of arms, with punishments ranging from three years to life imprisonment based on the offense’s severity.
- Section 27: Imposes severe penalties, including death or life imprisonment, for using unlicensed firearms in serious crimes like murder.
Background of the Accused
The alleged arms dealer, Sharukh Khan, has a documented criminal history, with a prior case registered against him. The two buyers, Lalit Yadav and Rakesh Kumar, were apprehended at the scene while attempting to procure the illegal firearms. The police are investigating the source of the weapons, suspecting links to a larger arms trafficking network, possibly originating from areas like Munger in Bihar, a known hub for illegal arms manufacturing. [The Hindu] [Devdiscourse] [Times of India]
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
The swift action by the Kadma police, under the direction of SP Kumar Shivashish, highlights the commitment to combating illegal arms trade in Jamshedpur. The operation not only prevented a potential crime but also led to the seizure of lethal weapons that could have been used in serious offenses. The police have intensified efforts to trace the origin of the seized firearms and are exploring possible connections to interstate arms smuggling networks. SP Shivashish has assured a citywide crackdown on anti-social elements, stating, “Under no circumstances will anti-social elements be allowed to thrive in Jamshedpur. We are committed to ensuring law and order.” [Udit Vani] [Avenue Mail]
Broader Context of Illegal Arms Trade
Jamshedpur has witnessed multiple incidents of illegal arms trafficking in recent months. For instance, on May 19, 2025, Kadma police arrested two individuals, Ankur Singh and Upendra Singh, with similar country-made pistols and cartridges, indicating a persistent issue in the region. Additionally, a joint operation by Kolkata and Dhanbad police on May 30, 2025, busted an illegal arms manufacturing unit in Dhanbad, highlighting the interstate nature of such criminal activities. These incidents underscore the need for coordinated efforts to dismantle illegal arms networks across Jharkhand and neighboring states. [Udit Vani] [Times of India]
Conclusion
The timely intervention by Jamshedpur police has disrupted an illegal arms deal, potentially averting a major criminal incident. The arrest of Lalit Yadav, Rakesh Kumar, and Sharukh Khan, along with the seizure of country-made firearms, marks a significant step in curbing illegal arms trafficking in the region. As investigations continue, the focus remains on uncovering the supply chain behind these illicit weapons and ensuring that Jamshedpur remains a safe city. The public is encouraged to report suspicious activities to aid law enforcement efforts. [Udit Vani] [Avenue Mail]
