UP Police uncovers illegal arms factory; Three arrested in midnight encounter

In a late-night operation on Wednesday, Shikohabad Police, in collaboration with the Special Operations Group (SOG), uncovered a major illegal arms factory in the vicinity of Puratan School, Shikohabad. The police acted on specific intelligence and raided a residential house where they found a large stash of firearms and equipment used in the illegal production of weapons. Nine pistols, both completed and unfinished, along with raw materials and various tools for firearm assembly, were seized from the premises.

The three arrested suspects were identified as Rajoo, son of Jagdish, from Vachgaon, Narhi; Rajesh alias Chotu, son of Sukhveer Singh, from Rahchati, Shikohabad; and Puran, son of Nathuram, from Chandan Nagar, Trans Yamuna Nagar, Agra. According to reports, when the police team arrived at the location, the accused attempted to flee and opened fire on the officers. In response, the police fired back in self-defense, leading to injuries to both Rajoo and Rajesh, who were shot in the legs. Both were arrested at the scene and were subsequently taken to the hospital under police custody for treatment.

Puran, who was found actively engaged in the manufacturing process, was also arrested at the site. He was working with metal parts, tools, and other raw materials to create firearms. Investigators have confirmed that a significant quantity of arms-making equipment was found at the location, including metal-working machinery, molds, and partially constructed firearms. The seized pistols were reportedly in different stages of completion, suggesting a large-scale operation.

The police have confirmed that all three individuals have been taken into custody for further interrogation. Authorities are currently investigating the scale of the arms manufacturing operation and its links to larger criminal networks. The police are also examining the possibility of other locations where illegal arms may have been produced or distributed. Further legal action is being pursued, with a focus on dismantling the network involved in the illegal production and sale of firearms.