Illegal Arms Trafficker Arrested in Jorhat: Investigation Underway
Arrest of Alleged Arms Trafficker
Alleged Illegal arms trafficker accused held by Jorhat Police on Saturday (Photo: AT)
Jorhat, July 18: Authorities apprehended an individual suspected of illegal arms trafficking in Jorhat on Saturday. The police seized a pistol, live ammunition, and a motorcycle, with indications that the firearm may have originated from Nagaland.
The suspect, identified as Sanjib Barua from Dimapur district, was taken into custody at Nandanpur on Jail Road during a focused operation led by Inspector Utpal Dutta of the Jorhat Traffic Branch.
Officers recovered a 7.65 mm pistol, three rounds of live ammunition, and a Pulsar motorcycle (AS-03S-5153) from Barua's possession.
According to police reports, Barua had been under observation for a period due to intelligence suggesting his involvement in illegal activities.
"We had been receiving intelligence input. A team of police had been monitoring the accused's movement for hours. After a chase, we were able to successfully apprehend him in the Nandanpur area," Dutta informed the media.
"Barua's residence has been traced back to Dimapur. He is suspected of being involved in various other criminal activities. More information will be revealed as the investigation progresses," he added.
Investigators believe the firearm was smuggled from Dimapur into Assam and are currently looking into its origins, the intended recipient, and whether Barua is part of a larger illegal arms trafficking network.
During initial questioning, Barua allegedly stated that he intended to sell the firearm in Jorhat.
"I had brought it to sell it to a man named Bogai who resides near Jorhat Medical College and Hospital," the suspect reportedly told investigators.
Authorities are verifying this claim and have emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages.
Officials are also exploring Barua's potential connections to other criminal activities and his involvement in organized illegal arms trafficking.
This arrest has heightened concerns regarding the flow of illegal firearms into Assam from neighboring states, particularly through Dimapur, which has been a focal point in past arms smuggling investigations.
Police continue to interrogate Barua to uncover details about the procurement of the weapon, the financial backers of the transaction, any accomplices, and whether he is linked to a broader illegal arms trafficking operation.