Illegal Arms Factory Busted In Meerut, 11 Arrested, Mastermind On The Run

Police in Meerut have busted an illegal arms manufacturing unit and arrested 11 people during a coordinated raid, officials said.

The operation was carried out by a joint team of SWAT , surveillance personnel and Lohia Nagar police after a tip-off about weapon production in Alipur village .

During the raid, officers discovered a basement facility allegedly used for manufacturing pistols and recovered eight .32 bore pistols along with three semi-finished weapons, magazines, barrels and tools.

Police also seized multiple mobile phones and vehicles, while Rahimuddin , identified as the alleged mastermind who arranged materials and premises, remains absconding.

Officials said an FIR has been registered under the Arms Act and interrogation of the arrested accused is underway, with their mobile data being analysed for links to wider networks.

Police suspect the unit may be part of a larger inter-district supply chain , and further investigation is ongoing to identify additional associates and possible distribution routes.

Authorities have intensified checks across Meerut and nearby districts as part of a wider crackdown on illegal arms manufacturing, and said more arrests cannot be ruled out as evidence from recovered equipment is examined.

The police said forensic teams are also inspecting the recovered pistols and tools to determine production capacity and possible supply destinations, while coordination with neighbouring districts has been stepped up to trace movement of suspects and materials used in the illegal unit. Officials added that the operation reflects continued efforts to curb illicit arms networks in western Uttar Pradesh and prevent their use in criminal activities.