A security lapse was reported at Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla’s residence in Rewa after Youth Congress workers protesting over the death of a pregnant woman and her newborn allegedly crossed the security cordon and reached the premises on September 6.

The incident has raised questions over security arrangements at the Amhिया residence, particularly after reports emerged of a masked person being seen among those who entered the premises. Police are examining the circumstances and attempting to establish the identity and role of the individual. 

Protest over Kalpana Mishra’s death

The Youth Congress protest was linked to the death of pregnant woman Kalpana Mishra and her newborn at Rewa’s Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital. The case has triggered sustained political and public criticism of the hospital administration and the state health system.

Congress workers reached Shukla’s residence demanding accountability and action against those they hold responsible for the deaths. The protest escalated when some demonstrators allegedly crossed the police security arrangements and reached the entrance and parts of the residential premises. 

Masked person becomes focus of inquiry

A masked individual was reportedly seen amid the protesters during the incident. Some reports have also carried allegations from the Deputy CM’s family and staff that people with covered faces entered the premises with an intention to create a disturbance.

However, the identity and exact role of the masked person have not been independently established. Police investigation, including examination of available video footage, is expected to determine whether the individual was merely part of the protesting crowd or was involved in any specific unlawful activity. 

Police action after security breach

Following the confrontation, police intervened to remove protesters from the premises and several people were detained. Separate reports say an FIR has been registered in connection with the incident, with the number of accused varying across reports as police continue identifying people from video footage and other evidence. 

The incident has subsequently become a political issue in Rewa. BJP workers and local traders also held a protest on September 7, demanding action against those accused of entering the Deputy CM’s residence.

Hospital controversy intensifies

The protest comes against the backdrop of growing controversy over the Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital. The Madhya Pradesh government has already taken administrative action in connection with the episode.

Dr Rahul Mishra was removed as hospital superintendent and replaced by Dr Priyank Sharma. Earlier, two doctors and two nursing officers were suspended in connection with the case. The government has also ordered a magisterial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Kalpana Mishra’s death. 

Political confrontation grows

The hospital controversy has increasingly turned into a political confrontation between the BJP and Congress in Rewa. Congress leaders have targeted Rajendra Shukla in his capacity as Health Minister and demanded accountability, while BJP leaders have criticised the manner in which the Youth Congress protest was conducted.

The dispute has now expanded beyond the hospital case, with the alleged breach of security at the Deputy CM’s residence becoming a separate law-and-order issue.

Police investigation will establish facts

The immediate focus is on determining how protesters crossed the security arrangements, who entered the premises and whether anyone committed a specific offence after entering.

The reported presence of a masked individual is also part of the emerging controversy, but there is currently no verified basis to describe that person as a criminal or intruder without the outcome of the police investigation.

The episode highlights the security challenge posed by high-profile political protests, while the underlying hospital controversy continues to await the findings of the administrative inquiry.

Two minor sisters died after drowning in a pond near Sohagi Hills in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district on Monday evening. The girls, aged 8 and 14, reportedly fell into the pond while playing. The SDRF team later launched a search operation and recovered both bodies, which were handed over to the police. 

Victims Identified

The deceased have been identified as Pushpanjali Yadav, 8, and Neeta Yadav, 14. Both sisters were residents of Gram Post Sohagi. Their father has been identified as Indrabhan Yadav.

According to the preliminary information available, the sisters were playing near the pond when they fell into the water. The exact circumstances leading to the incident are being investigated by the police. 

SDRF Launches Search Operation

After information about the drowning reached the authorities, an SDRF team began a search operation in the pond.

Rescuers subsequently located and recovered the bodies of both girls. The bodies were handed over to the police for further legal and procedural action.

Police Begin Investigation

Police have taken the bodies into custody and started the required proceedings. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident to establish exactly how the two children entered the pond.

At this stage, the preliminary account indicates that the girls fell into the water while playing. Further details are expected to emerge as the police investigation progresses. 

Village Grieves Loss of Two Sisters

The deaths of the two sisters have left their family and the local community in shock. Grief spread across Sohagi after news of the incident reached the village.

The incident has also once again highlighted the risks children can face around open water bodies, particularly when ponds and other water-filled areas are accessible without close adult supervision.

Investigation Underway

The police are continuing their inquiry and will establish the sequence of events based on available evidence and statements. No other circumstances surrounding the deaths have been established in the information currently available.

The incident is being treated as a drowning case, with further details awaited from the police investigation.

Rewa city is grappling with a significant shortage of police personnel, with only 234 officers and staff deployed across its seven major police stations despite increasing population, expanding urban limits, and growing law-and-order responsibilities.

According to official figures, the city's Kotwali, Civil Lines, Chorhata, University, Saman, Bichhiya, and Amahiya police stations are operating with limited manpower, forcing the existing force to manage crime control, law-and-order duties, VIP security, traffic management, investigations, and public events simultaneously.

Civil Lines Has Highest Strength

Among the seven police stations, Civil Lines Police Station has the largest deployment with 44 personnel, followed by:

• Kotwali – 40 personnel

• Chorhata – 36 personnel

• Saman – 36 personnel

• Bichhiya – 30 personnel

• University – 25 personnel

• Amahiya – 23 personnel

Despite these deployments, officials acknowledge that the available strength remains inadequate considering the city's growing policing requirements.

Limited Officers Handling Multiple Responsibilities

The staffing pattern further highlights the shortage. Across all seven police stations, there are only:

• 6 Station House Officers (SHOs)

• 16 Sub-Inspectors (SIs)

• 18 Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs)

• 63 Head Constables/Munshis

• 131 Constables

These 234 personnel are responsible for maintaining law and order across the entire urban area.

Growing Workload on Police Force

With Rewa witnessing rapid urban expansion, police personnel are handling a wide range of responsibilities beyond routine crime investigation. These include:

• Day and night patrolling

• Investigation of murders, robberies, thefts, shootings, and accidents

• Arrest and tracking of accused persons

• Court appearances

• Women's safety and security

• Traffic management

• VIP security arrangements

• Festival and religious event security

• Law-and-order management during protests and demonstrations

The same limited workforce is deployed for all these assignments, increasing operational pressure on police stations.

Rising Crime Raises Concerns

Recent incidents involving murder, firing, theft, and other serious crimes have intensified concerns over the adequacy of police resources. Investigating such cases requires dedicated teams, while regular patrolling and emergency response must continue simultaneously.

Officials and policing experts believe that manpower shortages often compel individual officers to perform multiple duties, which can affect both investigation quality and preventive policing.

Demand for Additional Police Personnel

Experts associated with policing and public administration say Rewa's expanding population and changing crime patterns require a corresponding increase in police strength.

They believe additional personnel would help:

• Increase regular patrolling across the city.

• Ensure faster response to public complaints.

• Improve emergency deployment capabilities.

• Strengthen crime prevention and investigation.

With only 234 police personnel currently responsible for securing Rewa's urban limits, concerns continue to grow over whether the existing force can effectively meet the city's evolving law-and-order challenges.

 A grain trader was critically injured after being shot at close range by two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district late Tuesday night. The attack, which took place outside the victim's residence in Mangawan, has prompted a high-level police investigation, with Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr. Gurukaran Singh personally supervising the probe.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over public safety in the district, as police examine multiple angles, including personal rivalry, business disputes, and other possible motives.

Attack Outside Residence

According to police, the incident occurred in Ward No. 2 of Mangawan town, where grain trader Sandeep Kumar Gupta was sitting on a platform outside his house after dinner, following his usual routine.

Two men arrived on a motorcycle and reportedly asked Gupta for directions to Hanumanta village. As he began explaining the route, the pillion rider allegedly pulled out a pistol and fired at him from close range.

The bullet struck the upper part of Gupta's face, leaving him seriously injured. The attackers fled the scene immediately after the shooting.

Victim Undergoing Treatment

Hearing the gunshot, local residents rushed out of their homes while the accused escaped before they could be intercepted.

Family members and neighbours shifted the injured trader to Sanjay Gandhi Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment. Doctors are closely monitoring his condition.

SP Personally Supervises Probe

Soon after receiving information, Rewa SP Dr. Gurukaran Singh, along with senior police officials, reached the crime scene to assess the situation.

The SP conducted a detailed inspection, reviewed preliminary findings with investigating officers, and directed police teams to ensure a swift breakthrough in the case.

He instructed officials to scientifically examine all available evidence and pursue every possible lead without delay.

CCTV Footage, Digital Evidence Under Examination

Investigators have begun collecting footage from CCTV cameras installed around the area to trace the movement of the accused before and after the attack.

Police are also relying on technical evidence, including mobile phone location data, call detail records (CDRs), and other digital inputs to identify the suspects.

Forensic teams have secured physical evidence from the crime scene for scientific examination.

Multiple Angles Being Investigated

Police officials said the investigation is not limited to treating the incident as a random firing case.

Investigators are examining whether the attack was linked to any previous enmity, business rivalry, financial dispute, or any other personal motive.

The victim's family, social circle, and business associates are also being questioned as part of the investigation. Police are recording statements of local residents to reconstruct the sequence of events.

Special Teams Formed to Track Accused

The district police have constituted multiple teams to trace and arrest the attackers. Raids are being conducted at suspected locations, while surveillance has been intensified on major routes and adjoining areas.

Officials expressed confidence that the accused would be identified through technical evidence and witness inputs.

Residents Express Security Concerns

The incident has triggered panic among residents, as the firing took place in a residential neighbourhood where the victim was sitting outside his home.

Police have appealed to the public to share any information or suspicious activity related to the incident that could assist the investigation.

The injured trader remains under medical care, while police continue efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

In a major crackdown on the illegal narcotics trade, Rewa Police raided a rented house in Jhanzhar Colony under the University Police Station limits and seized 930 bottles of banned intoxicating cough syrup along with ₹1.70 lakh in cash. A husband and wife were arrested from the premises, and police have launched an investigation to trace the supply network behind the alleged racket.

The operation was carried out following a tip-off about the illegal storage and sale of prohibited cough syrup from the rented accommodation.

Raid Conducted on Specific Information

According to police, the University Police Station received credible information that a rented house in Jhanzhar Colony was being used for the illegal distribution of narcotic cough syrup.

Acting swiftly, a police team conducted a raid at the location. During the search, officers recovered 930 bottles of prohibited cough syrup, estimated to be worth more than ₹2 lakh in the illegal market.

Cash Suspected to Be Drug Proceeds

Apart from the banned cough syrup, police also recovered ₹1.70 lakh in cash from the house.

Investigators suspect the money was generated through the alleged illegal sale of narcotic substances. Other materials found at the premises have also been seized for further examination as part of the investigation.

Husband and Wife Taken into Custody

Police arrested Vinay Deepankar and his wife Palak Pandey from the spot during the raid.

A case has been registered against both accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Actand other relevant legal provisions. They are currently being questioned regarding the source of the contraband and the distribution network.

Police Probe Supply Chain

Investigators are now working to identify where the banned cough syrup was sourced from and the areas where it was allegedly supplied.

Police are also trying to determine whether other individuals are linked to the network. Officials said further arrests could be made based on information gathered during interrogation.

CSP Confirms Action

City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Rajeev Pathak said the raid was conducted on the basis of specific intelligence received by the University Police Station.

He confirmed the recovery of a large quantity of prohibited cough syrup and ₹1.70 lakh in cash, adding that legal proceedings have been initiated against both accused.

The officer said police are focusing on identifying the entire supply chain and all individuals involved in the alleged illegal trade.

Drive Against Drug Trade to Continue

Police said the district-wide campaign against narcotics trafficking and illegal sale of intoxicating substances will continue with strict enforcement.

Authorities appealed to citizens to immediately report any suspicious activities related to illegal drugs so that timely action can be taken against offenders.

A youth was arrested in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district after allegedly posting a video on social media in which he was seen brandishing an illegal pistol in an apparent attempt to project influence and intimidate people. Following his arrest, police conducted a public parade of the accused as part of their crackdown on the public display of illegal firearms.

The accused, identified as Akshat Soni, a resident of Nipania village under the Bichhiya police station limits, was taken into custody on Saturday after police recovered an illegal pistol and a live cartridge from his possession.

Video Triggered Police Action

According to police, the investigation began after a video showing the accused holding and displaying a pistol went viral on social media. The footage allegedly showed him flaunting the weapon to create fear and build an intimidating image online.

Bichhiya Station House Officer Ankita Mishra said the police identified the accused through the viral video and launched a search operation. After the clip surfaced, the accused allegedly remained on the run in an attempt to evade arrest.

Arrest Made After Intelligence Input

Police later received information that the accused was moving around the Laxman Bagh area while carrying the illegal firearm.

Acting on the tip-off, a police team reached the location, cordoned off the area and arrested the accused. During the search, officers recovered one illegal pistol along with a live cartridge.

Case Registered Under Arms Act

Following the recovery, police registered a case against the accused under the Arms Act.

Investigators are now questioning him to determine the source of the weapon and whether it is linked to any broader illegal arms network. Officials said the investigation is focused on identifying how the firearm was procured and whether others were involved.

Police Conduct Public Parade

After the arrest, police took the accused through a public procession in the city, describing it as a message against the misuse of social media for displaying illegal weapons and creating fear among the public.

Police officials said strict action would continue against individuals who use social media platforms to glorify criminal behaviour, display illegal firearms or disturb public order.

The incident comes amid increasing police action across Madhya Pradesh against individuals who post videos featuring weapons or engage in activities intended to gain online popularity through unlawful conduct.

Rewa's Sirmaur police have arrested an alleged serial motorcycle thief and recovered five stolen two-wheelers worth around ₹5 lakh in a major breakthrough in vehicle theft cases. The accused was produced before a court and has been sent to judicial custody, while police continue to investigate his possible involvement in other thefts.

The arrested accused has been identified as Ojha Kol (40), a resident of Kohri village in Rewa district. According to police, he was under surveillance following multiple complaints of motorcycle theft in the region.

Tip-Off Leads to Arrest

Police said they received specific information from an informer that the accused was moving with stolen motorcycles. Acting on the tip-off, a police team laid a trap and apprehended him.

During interrogation, the accused allegedly confessed to stealing motorcycles. Based on his disclosure, police recovered five stolen bikes from different locations identified by him.

Five Stolen Motorcycles Recovered

The recovered motorcycles include:

• Hero HF Deluxe (Registration: MP17 MW 1065)

• Bajaj Pulsar 220 (Registration: UP70 HA 3570)

• TVS Apache (Registration: BR24 AJ 2439)

• TVS Raider (Registration: UP70 HW 7215)

• Hero Splendor (Registration: UP70 HY 0484)

Police estimated the combined value of the recovered motorcycles at approximately ₹5 lakh.

Investigation Continues

Investigators are now verifying where the motorcycles were stolen from and whether the accused was operating alone or was part of a larger interstate vehicle theft network.

Police are also matching the recovered vehicles with pending theft cases registered in Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring states to identify their rightful owners.

Officials said further interrogation of the accused could lead to the detection of additional vehicle theft cases.

Efforts to Return Vehicles

Police stated that once verification is completed, the recovered motorcycles will be returned to their legal owners. Authorities have appealed to the public to immediately report vehicle thefts or any suspicious activities to help curb such crimes.

A case has been registered against the accused under the relevant provisions of law, and the Sirmaur police team has been credited for successfully carrying out the operation.

A protest against entry fees at Rewa’s Eco Park turned ugly on Sunday, leading to a police case against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Pramod Sharma. The city Kotwali police registered an FIR against him on Monday for allegedly indulging in assault, holding an unauthorised demonstration, and creating a disturbance inside public premises.

According to police, Sharma, who has been vocally opposing the entry fee for a long time, reached the Eco Park along with his supporters and started a protest inside the park premises. The situation soon escalated into a verbal confrontation with park staff, which reportedly turned into a scuffle. Police present at the spot intervened to bring the situation under control.

Pramod Sharma has countered the allegations, claiming that the protest was against “illegal collection” of ₹100 per person at the Eco Park. He accused the park management of unauthorised charging and said his demonstration was meant to highlight the issue affecting common visitors.

On the other hand, the park administration and police acted on complaints of unauthorised gathering, obstructing public services, and manhandling staff. The FIR includes charges related to holding a protest without permission, disturbing government functioning, and creating a ruckus in a public place.

Investigation Underway  

City Kotwali SHO Nisha Mishra confirmed that a case has been registered against Pramod Sharma based on the complaint. “The entire incident is being investigated. CCTV footage from the park is being examined to ascertain the sequence of events,” she said. Further legal action will follow the probe.

The episode has created a stir in local political circles. Supporters of Sharma have alleged high-handedness by the authorities, while park officials maintain that proper entry fees were introduced as per rules to maintain the facility.

Eco Park in Rewa is a popular spot for locals and tourists, especially during weekends and evenings. The introduction of entry charges had already been a point of discussion among residents. Many visitors have complained about the fee, while authorities argue it is needed for upkeep and better maintenance of the park.

This is not the first time entry fees at public parks and gardens have sparked protests in smaller cities. Similar debates have occurred in other parts of Madhya Pradesh where civic bodies have tried to generate revenue through user charges.

As of now, both sides are sticking to their versions. Police have appealed for calm and said the investigation will reveal the full picture. Further details are awaited as the probe continues.

The development comes at a time when local AAP leaders are trying to expand their base in Rewa district by taking up civic issues. The outcome of the case could have political implications in the coming days.

A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan died in Rewa on Tuesday morning after slipping from the rooftop of his house while watering plants. The incident has left his family in shock just days before he was scheduled to return to active duty.

A Routine Morning Turned Fatal

Rangilal Kori, a serving BSF jawan, had stepped onto the terrace of his home in Rewa early Tuesday to tend to his plants. While watering them, his foot slipped and he lost balance, falling directly off the roof. The impact left him with critical injuries. Family members rushed him to a nearby hospital immediately, but he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

Home on Leave After Poll Duty in Bengal

Kori had recently returned home on leave after completing election duty in West Bengal. According to family members, he had been on a well-earned break following the deployment and was spending time at home before heading back. The family had been preparing for his return to Delhi — he was scheduled to rejoin his unit on June 4.

Just Days From Returning to Duty

The timing of the tragedy has made it all the more painful for those close to him. His rejoining date was barely days away, and arrangements for his departure were already being made at home. What should have been a quiet final stretch of leave ended in a sudden and irreversible loss. The family is currently in deep shock.

Police Confirm Accidental Fall

Police teams reached the hospital after receiving information about the incident and completed the necessary legal formalities. The body was subsequently sent for post-mortem examination. Following the procedure, the remains were handed over to the family for last rites.

Preliminary investigation and inspection of the site by local police indicate the matter is entirely accidental. There is no suspicion of foul play. Officers have confirmed that the fall appears to have been caused solely by the jawan losing his footing on the rooftop.

Family in Grief

Rangilal Kori's death has left behind a grieving family trying to come to terms with an abrupt and unexpected loss. A jawan who had served on election duty in another state and was days away from returning to his post is now gone — taken by an ordinary moment that went tragically wrong.

A potentially fatal accident near the Itma bridge in Rewa's Atraila police station area on Thursday ended on a note of relief, thanks largely to the quick thinking of local villagers who waded into the river and pulled out a trapped man before the state disaster response team could even reach the spot.

Iron Rod Pierced Foot

The injured man, identified as Ramujagar Prajapati, 45, a resident of Itma village, had gone to the riverbank for some work when he lost his footing and slipped into a deeper section of the river. An iron rod embedded in the riverbed pierced through his foot, leaving him immobilised in the current, unable to free himself or move to safety. He was in considerable pain and could not get out on his own.

Alert Reaches Control Room

Locals who spotted the man trapped in the water quickly passed the information to the police control room. The situation was flagged as serious — a man pinned by a metal rod in flowing water, with no immediate means of rescue on site. The Rewa police promptly dispatched an SDRF team to the location.

Villagers Act First

Before the SDRF unit could arrive, a group of villagers decided not to wait. Showing remarkable courage, they entered the river, navigated the current, and managed to carefully free Prajapati and bring him to the bank. The rescue, carried out without professional equipment, drew wide appreciation from both local residents and officials.

A five-member SDRF team, led by Sub-Inspector Vikas Kumar Pandey, had already been en route to the site. On receiving confirmation that the rescue had been completed successfully by locals, the team was directed to return midway.

First Aid, Then Hospital

Once on dry ground, Prajapati was given initial first aid before being transported to a nearby health centre for further treatment. The extent of his injury — a metal rod having passed through his foot — meant he required medical attention beyond basic care. His condition, according to initial reports, was stable.

Officials Acknowledge Timely Action

Police officials who spoke on the matter noted that the speed of the rescue was critical. Had the man remained trapped in the current for longer, the situation could have escalated significantly. Officials credited both the prompt response of the control room and the bravery of the villagers for averting what could easily have become a tragedy.

The SDRF team's swift mobilisation was also noted positively, even though their intervention ultimately wasn't required on-site.

Community Response Draws Praise

In a time when bystander inaction is often criticised, the Itma villagers' decision to step in without hesitation has been widely appreciated across the district. Local residents on social media and in conversations across the area were sharing the rescue video that reportedly captured part of the operation — showing people using ropes to stabilise themselves and the victim in the fast-moving water.

Rewa Constable Murder Case Cracked; Close Friend Arrested Over Financial Dispute

The Rewa police have arrested the prime suspect behind the murder of police constable Rakesh Kumar Patel, recovering the weapon and establishing a financial dispute of ₹1 lakh as the motive.

REWA: In a major breakthrough, the Rewa police on Thursday cracked the murder case of a police constable who was shot dead earlier this week, arresting his close friend in connection with the crime. Investigators revealed that a long-standing monetary dispute involving ₹1 lakh led to the fatal shooting in the Samaana police station area.

The accused, identified as Rakesh Mishra alias Rakesh Tiwari, was apprehended following intense police raids after he went missing immediately after the incident.

Monetary dispute turns fatal

According to senior police officials, the victim, Rakesh Kumar Patel, had borrowed a sum of ₹1 lakh from the accused some time ago. The loan had become a persistent bone of contention between the two friends, frequently leading to heated arguments over non-repayment.

The friction reached a boiling point on the night of May 18. Local intelligence and sources familiar with the matter indicated that Mishra had invited the constable to his residence in Gadariya, located under the jurisdiction of the Samaana police station, under the pretext of hosting a party.

Late-night party ends in blood

Initial reports indicate that both men consumed alcohol late into the night. As the night progressed, the conversation veered back to the unpaid debt. What started as a verbal altercation quickly escalated into a violent confrontation.

In a fit of rage, Mishra reportedly whipped out a firearm and shot Patel at point-blank range near his temple. The constable died on the spot due to the severe gunshot wound, while the accused fled the premises under the cover of darkness.

Victim was on family leave

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local police department, especially given the circumstances of Patel's presence in Rewa. The deceased constable was originally posted at the Ramnagar police station in the neighboring Maihar district.

He had recently taken sanctioned leave and travelled to Rewa to attend to his ailing son, who had fallen severely ill. Family members were left devastated as a routine domestic visit turned into a nightmare.

Police launch swift crackdown

Following the discovery of the body, local authorities immediately swung into action, deploying multiple teams to trace the suspect. Forensics teams and ballistic experts visited the Gadariya residence to gather crucial physical evidence from the crime scene.

Superintendent of Police, Gurukaran Singh, confirmed the arrest and stated that primary interrogation points directly toward the financial dispute. "Our teams acted on specific intelligence inputs to nab the accused before he could leave the district limits. The investigation is exploring all possible angles to ensure a watertight case in court," SP Singh said.

Suspect remanded to judicial custody

The breakthrough in the Rewa constable murder case culminated on Thursday afternoon when the accused was formally produced before a local court. The police presented the initial case diary and evidence collected from the site.

The court has sent the accused to jail under judicial remand, while investigators continue to record statements from neighbors and family members to construct a seamless timeline of the events leading up to the murder.

Tip-off leads to raid

Rewa’s Saman police carried out a late evening operation on Tuesday, arresting two individuals allegedly involved in illegal arms trafficking. The arrests were made near Bansagar Talaiya, a relatively secluded spot on the outskirts of the city. Acting on specific intelligence, a team laid a brief cordon and intercepted the suspects, who were reportedly waiting for potential customers.

Yellow bag, quick chase

According to officials, the two men were standing near the water body, holding a distinct yellow bag. When the police party approached, they attempted to flee. “Our team gave them a short chase before apprehending them near some roadside shrubs,” a local police source said. Upon searching the yellow bag, the police recovered four firearms: two country-made pistols (12 bore, commonly known as desi katta) and two country-made revolvers.

Rented accommodation under scanner

The accused have been identified as Sameer Khan (26), a resident of the Bichiya area, and Ritesh Dubey alias Lucky (25), originally from Mangawan police station limits. Preliminary interrogation revealed that both were currently living together in a rented house in Bichiya. They were unable to produce any valid documentation or licence for the weapons. Police have registered a case against them under Section 25(1)(A) of the Arms Act.

Why this matters

The recovery of four firearms from a single spot has raised concerns about the easy availability of cheap, illegal weapons in the region. While Rewa is not traditionally a major hub for arms smuggling compared to districts like Satna or Khargone, police say such seizures often spike ahead of local festivals or civic elections. The fact that the men were openly waiting with a stockpile suggests a ready local market.

Source and buyer network probed

Nagar Police Superintendent Rajeev Pathak is personally monitoring the investigation, officials said. While the arrests were swift, the bigger challenge now is to dismantle the supply chain. Police are interrogating the duo to ascertain where the consignment originated—possibly from the Bihar or Uttar Pradesh belt—and who the intended recipients were. Investigators are also scanning their call records to identify potential customers.

What’s next

At this stage, the police have not ruled out the possibility of more arrests. “We are looking into whether they were part of a larger network that supplies weapons to criminals in the district,” an officer involved in the probe said. The two accused were produced before a local court, which remanded them to police custody for further interrogation. A court-ordered parade is also likely to verify if the weapons had been used in any unsolved crime.