Pune Police Bust Illegal Arms and Trafficking Units in MP’s Umarti Village; 36 Detained

In a major crackdown on organized crime, the Pune Police, in a joint operation with Madhya Pradesh Police, raided illegal arms manufacturing and trafficking units in Umarti village (Khandwa district, MP). The operation led to the detention of 36 suspects and the seizure of firearms, ammunition, and machinery used for crafting illegal weapons.

Key Details of the Operation

Acting on intelligence inputs, a team from Pune Crime Branch and MP Police conducted a late-night raid in Umarti village, a suspected hub for illegal arms production. Authorities had been monitoring the area for weeks before striking.

Weapons and Equipment Seized:

• 15 country-made pistols
• 200+ live rounds
• Firearm-manufacturing tools
• Raw materials (iron pipes, springs)

Trafficking and Organized Crime Links

Investigators uncovered ties to human trafficking and narcotics, suggesting the network supplied weapons alongside other illegal activities.

“These workshops operated under the guise of legitimate small-scale industries,” said a senior Pune Police officer. “We are probing interstate connections to dismantle the entire syndicate.”

Interstate Criminal Network Exposed

The bust reveals a growing arms-crime nexus in central India, with weapons reportedly supplied to:
– Gangsters
– Naxalite groups
– Petty criminals

Firearms were sold for ₹5,000–₹15,000, making them easily accessible on the black market.

Political and Local Reactions

• Umarti villagers claimed ignorance, but MP opposition leaders demanded a probe into alleged police inaction.
• Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis praised Pune Police, calling the raid a “major step against state security threats.”

Next Steps in the Investigation

• Interrogations ongoing to uncover ties to larger syndicates.
• NIA may take over due to interstate implications.
• Experts urge stricter monitoring of rural arms production hubs.

Conclusion: A Critical Win, But Challenges Remain

While the operation marks a significant blow to illegal arms trade, it highlights the need for better intelligence-sharing and enforcement to curb such networks.

Follow [Your News Outlet] for live updates.