Bhubaneswar, Jan 16: In a major breakthrough against the illegal firearms trade, the Special Crime Unit of the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate has seized six semi-automatic pistols along with ten rounds of live ammunition and arrested a prime suspect. The accused has been identified as Papu alias Manoj Kumar Mallick, a resident of Jajpur district.

According to an official release, the operation was carried out around 2 am near Kuji Mahal Play Ground under the Chandaka police station limits, following a specific tip-off. Acting swiftly on the intelligence input, a special team laid a trap and successfully apprehended the suspect while he was allegedly attempting to deliver the weapons.

During the search, police also recovered six magazines, a mobile phone, a two-wheeler used for transportation, and Rs 500 in cash. Preliminary investigations suggest the accused was actively involved in the supply and distribution of illegal firearms in the region.

Police officials stated that Mallick is being interrogated to extract crucial information about his network, supply chain, and possible financial backers. Efforts are underway to identify other individuals linked to the racket and dismantle the wider criminal network.

The accused will be produced before the court as the investigation continues.

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