SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, May 29: In a major crackdown, the Bengal Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) unearthed a country-made gun factory operating out of Singra Basti under Mahuda police station area in Dhanbad district, approximately 27 km from the district headquarters.
The operation was carried out late Wednesday night, leading to the arrest of six individuals, including the factory operator and four mechanics.
The Bengal ATS was supported by local police during the raid, including Baghmara SDPO Purushottam Kumar Singh and Mahuda police inspector Mamta Kumari.
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Acting on intelligence received from a previously arrested criminal, the team raided the house of Murshid Ansari at around 11:30 pm and recovered a large number of finished and semi-finished country-made pistols. A lathe machine used in the pistol-making process was also seized.
Key Accused Admits to Supplying Weapons to Bengal and Other States
Among those arrested was Khurshid Ansari, who operated the factory, along with four skilled artisans from Munger district in Bihar who were found working at the site during the raid. Khurshid Ansari’s wife, Heena Parveen, was also detained for questioning but was released after a late-night interrogation.
Police sources said the arrested operator confessed to running the illegal arms manufacturing unit for a long time and admitted to supplying weapons to West Bengal and other states. The raid was the result of a tip-off received by Bengal ATS, prompting coordination with Dhanbad police for the late-night operation.
Demonstration of Firearm Manufacturing Captured on Video
In a striking revelation, the four arrested artisans demonstrated their gun-making skills in front of ATS officers, assembling four pistols within an hour. Bengal ATS officials recorded the entire process on video as part of evidence collection.
Local residents expressed shock over the discovery. Neighbours told media that Khurshid Ansari maintained a low profile and worked as a private driver, giving no indication of operating a gun factory from his residence.
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Ongoing Investigation to Reveal Full Extent of Operation
Baghmara SDPO Purushottam Kumar Singh stated that the investigation is ongoing, and further interrogation of the main accused is underway.
A detailed report will be released once the inquiry is complete. The incident has raised concerns over the presence of illegal arms operations in the region and their cross-border implications.
