In a major operation against illegal arms manufacturing in Bihar, security agencies uncovered a hidden gun-making factory in Begusarai district and arrested three people allegedly involved in producing illegal weapons. The raid took place on Saturday in the Barbighi Bahiyar area under the Baliya Police Station limits.
Police believe the unit had been manufacturing firearms that were later supplied to criminal groups operating across different parts of Bihar. The action is being seen as an important step in breaking the state’s illegal arms network.
Intelligence led police to the hideout
The operation was carried out after police received specific technical and human intelligence about the illegal factory. The information was developed by the SOG/STAW-01 team, which tracked the activities before planning the raid.
The operation was supervised by Senior Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Pankaj Kumar and DSP Sheikh Sabir. A large joint team was formed to ensure the raid was successful.
The team included officials from SOG-01, the Arms Cell, the Hit/SWAT Team from Jamalpur, SOG-03, Khagaria’s Operation Team-12, and the Baliya Police Station. Before entering the premises, officers surrounded the area completely, leaving no chance for the suspects to escape.
Three accused caught at the spot
Police said all three suspects were caught red-handed while the illegal firearms unit was operating.
The arrested men have been identified as Mohammad Asim alias Tarzan, son of the late Md. Gulsher, a resident of Mirzapur Vardha village under Mufassil Police Station in Munger district; Mohammad Shamshad, son of the late Md. Kamruddin, also from Mirzapur Vardha village in Munger; and Baleshwar Mahto, son of the late Harkhori Mahto, a resident of Barbighi village under Baliya Police Station in Begusarai.
According to investigators, Asim and Shamshad are experienced firearm artisans from Munger, a district known for illegal gun manufacturing in the past. Police allege that Baleshwar Mahto was operating the illegal factory in Begusarai.
Large cache of weapons and equipment seized
During the search, police recovered several illegal firearms, ammunition, and tools used for making weapons.
Among the seized items were two country-made pistols, five magazines, four live 7.65 mm cartridges, two spent cartridge cases, two base machines used for shaping and finishing firearms, one hand drill machine, twelve metal files, three hammers, two hacksaw blades, one smartphone, ₹4,600 in cash, and an Apache motorcycle.
Officials said the recovered equipment indicates that the factory was capable of producing firearms on a regular basis.