The arrests followed a complaint received on February 12 from residents of the Shankarpur locality, who reported that a group of youths was threatening passers-by near a ground adjoining a cemetery. Acting on the tip-off, a joint team of the Chikhli police outpost and the district cyber cell conducted a raid at the spot. Police said the suspects attempted to flee upon seeing officers but were surrounded and detained.

The main accused was identified as Shivam Sinha, also known as Charlie, 26. During questioning, investigators learned that the weapons had allegedly been procured with the help of an associate from areas in neighboring Madhya Pradesh. Police said further inquiries led to additional arrests in other districts, including Durg and Dhamtari, where teams tracked down remaining suspects.

According to officials, most of the accused have prior criminal records. Among those arrested are Digambar Sahu, Sevak Kashyap, Gunjesh Verma, Vicky Deshmukh, Jatindas Manikpuri, and Umesh Sahu. Police records indicate previous allegations against members of the group ranging from assault and intimidation to attempted murder and violations of arms laws.

Authorities registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act. All seven accused were produced before a local court, which remanded them to judicial custody. Investigators said the seized weapons will be sent for forensic examination to determine their origin and whether they were used in other offences.

Senior officers stated that the crackdown forms part of an ongoing campaign against organised criminal activity and illegal firearms in the region. “Swift action was taken after public information. We are continuing to examine links, including supply sources,” an official said.

Police added that further arrests may follow if evidence reveals a wider network or interstate supply chain. Residents of the affected locality have been assured of regular patrols and monitoring to prevent similar incidents.