STF Busts Illegal Firearms Network in Meerut, Supplier Held With 21 Pistols

An alleged illegal firearms supplier was arrested in Meerut after police recovered 21 country-made pistols of .315 bore and several tools used for manufacturing weapons, officials said on Sunday.

The accused, identified as Tajammul, was apprehended during a joint operation conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) and local police in the Lalkurti area of Meerut on Saturday night. Police said he was allegedly linked to a gang involved in supplying illegal firearms across western Uttar Pradesh.

According to STF Meerut Unit Additional Superintendent of Police Brijesh Kumar Singh, Tajammul, a resident of the Delhi Gate police station area, was arrested following information that he would arrive in the area carrying a large consignment of illegal weapons.

During the operation, police recovered 21 .315 bore country-made pistols along with a collection of firearm manufacturing equipment, including a hammer, hacksaw blades, files, welding rods, a welding machine, a vice, and a mobile phone.

During interrogation, Tajammul allegedly confessed that he had been involved in manufacturing illegal firearms with his associates for the past five years. He reportedly told investigators that the weapons were supplied to various districts in western Uttar Pradesh, with each country-made pistol being sold for around Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000.

The STF officer said further investigation was underway to identify other members of the network and trace the supply chain of the illegal firearms.

Police records also indicate that Tajammul had previously been arrested in Muzaffarnagar in 2022 with 37 country-made pistols in his possession. Authorities are now examining his past criminal links and the possible involvement of other individuals connected to the arms manufacturing and distribution network.