Bengaluru: The Central Crime Branch (CCB) of the Bengaluru Police has arrested an alleged illegal gun supplier from Madhya Pradesh as part of an ongoing investigation into the circulation of illegal firearms in the city. The accused, identified as Irfan, 34, a civil engineer from Bhopal, was taken into custody after police traced his involvement through the interrogation of two suspects arrested earlier in Bengaluru.
According to police officials, Irfan had allegedly supplied illegal arms and ammunition to a youth identified as Javed Alam, 19, a resident of Bhopal. Alam had earlier been arrested along with Syed Masood, 26, from Siddapura in Bengaluru in connection with possession of illegal firearms.
Investigators said the arrest marks a significant step in uncovering a possible network involved in the illegal manufacturing and distribution of firearms.
Earlier arrests led to breakthrough
The case initially came to light when the CCB arrested Javed Alam and Syed Masood last month for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.
During the investigation, police recovered one pistol and 50 live rounds of ammunition from the two accused. Their interrogation provided crucial leads about the source of the weapons.
Officials said that during questioning, the duo revealed that the firearm had been supplied by Irfan, who was based in Bhopal. Acting on this information, CCB officers began tracking his movements and coordinating with authorities in Madhya Pradesh.
Arrest operation in Bhopal
A special team from the CCB’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW), led by Police Inspector Hemanth Kumar M along with two Police Sub-Inspectors, travelled to Madhya Pradesh to apprehend the accused.
With assistance from the local Koh-e-Fiza police station in Bhopal, the Bengaluru police team conducted an operation at Irfan’s residence.
The accused was successfully arrested from his house in the Koh-e-Fiza area.
Police said the operation was carried out smoothly with support from local authorities.
Arms and ammunition seized
During the search of Irfan’s residence, police recovered several illegal firearms and ammunition.
The seized items include three country-made pistols, one disassembled revolver and two live rounds of ammunition.
Officials said the recovery further strengthened the case against the accused and confirmed his involvement in supplying illegal weapons.
The firearms have been seized and will be sent for forensic examination as part of the investigation.
Possible larger arms network under probe
Investigators believe that Irfan may not be the main source of the illegal weapons and could be part of a larger network involved in manufacturing and distributing firearms.
According to a CCB source, the investigation so far indicates that Irfan supplied the weapons only to Javed Alam.
However, the police suspect that another individual could be operating behind Irfan and may be responsible for large-scale production of illegal firearms.
Authorities said this suspected person is currently under surveillance and efforts are underway to trace and identify them.
Illegal firearms remain a concern
Police officials said the case highlights the continuing challenge of illegal firearms entering cities from other parts of the country.
Country-made weapons are often manufactured in clandestine units and sold through informal networks.
Such weapons can end up in the hands of criminal groups and pose a significant threat to public safety.
Law enforcement agencies across states frequently collaborate to track such supply chains and prevent the spread of illegal arms.
Further investigation underway
The CCB said that the investigation is still ongoing and more arrests could follow as police work to dismantle the network behind the illegal arms supply.
Officials will continue to question the accused and examine digital and financial records to identify possible accomplices.
The Bengaluru Police have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on illegal weapons and ensuring public safety in the city.
Conclusion
The arrest of Irfan in Madhya Pradesh marks a key development in the Bengaluru Police’s investigation into illegal firearm circulation. With several weapons seized and new leads emerging, authorities are now focusing on identifying the larger network believed to be operating behind the supply chain.
Police officials said further developments are expected as the probe continues.