During interrogation, the accused—identified as 23-year-old Ankit and 21-year-old Shivam—allegedly confessed that they had trafficked a total of 14 pistols over the past four months across multiple towns. Investigators say the weapons were manufactured at an illegal facility in Khargone and sold in the region, leaving eight firearms unaccounted for.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police Dharmveer Singh, officers acted on intelligence inputs about two men transporting illegal weapons. Under the supervision of DSP Crime Nagendra Singh Sikarwar and officer Manish Yadav, three police teams set up a coordinated checkpoint operation. The suspects were intercepted near a bridge checkpoint while riding a motorcycle and attempting to flee.
A search revealed one pistol concealed at Shivam’s waist and five more inside a bag, along with magazines. Both suspects were taken into custody and remain under interrogation as investigators trace the distribution chain and possible buyers.
Police said the weapons, described as lightweight and automatic, were purchased for around ₹12,000 each and resold for ₹40,000–₹50,000. Demand has reportedly increased in districts such as Bhind and Morena due to stricter enforcement measures, which have pushed buyers toward clandestine suppliers.
Investigators also claim the suspects disclosed that this was their third delivery run. They allegedly sold three pistols a month ago and five four months earlier. Authorities are now working to locate the missing weapons, fearing they may already have been used in serious crimes.
Police officials say further arrests are likely as the probe expands into the supply chain, buyers, and the illegal manufacturing network behind the operation.
