Police in Kandhamal district have intensified their crackdown on illegal firearms, seizing more than 30 country-made guns during a special district-wide operation carried out over the last two months.

As part of the ongoing drive, police have also arrested more than 10 persons allegedly involved in the illegal possession and use of firearms in different parts of the district.

Special Drive Intensified Across Forest Areas

According to police sources, the operation is being conducted in several sensitive and forest-adjacent pockets of Kandhamal where illegal country-made guns are allegedly being used for unlawful activities, particularly wildlife hunting.

Police teams are carrying out intelligence-based raids in remote villages and interior areas as part of the special enforcement drive.

In the latest action, Sadar police arrested Saroj Mallik from Tadameru village under the Sudrukumpa area and seized a country-made gun from his possession.

Sources said police received information that the accused was allegedly moving around the area carrying the illegal firearm, following which a raid was conducted and he was apprehended.

Illegal Firearms Allegedly Used for Wildlife Hunting

Officials said one of the key reasons behind the intensified crackdown is the alleged use of illegal country-made firearms for hunting wild animals in forest regions of the district.

Kandhamal, known for its dense forest cover and wildlife habitats, has remained under the watch of police and forest officials over recurring allegations of poaching and illegal hunting activities.

Police suspect that more such illegal firearms may still be in circulation in remote parts of the district.

The ongoing drive aims not only to curb illegal arms possession but also to prevent wildlife-related offences linked to such weapons.

More Raids and Arrests Likely

Police officials said the special operation against illegal firearms will continue in the coming days and strict action will be taken against persons found possessing or using illegal guns.

Also Read: Illegal gun manufacturing factory busted in Kandhamal’s Tumudibandh area, 1 arrested

Teams are reportedly gathering further intelligence inputs from different areas to identify more persons allegedly involved in illegal firearm activities.

Officials added that surveillance has also been intensified in sensitive areas as part of the sustained crackdown across the district.