STF busts arms racket, arrests four with semi-automatic pistols

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) on Thursday busted an alleged interstate illegal arms trafficking network and arrested four suspected gunrunnersfrom Lucknow, including a man who, police say, transitioned from trafficking narcotics and ‘OG’ (organic cannabis) to running a lucrative firearms racket.The accused — identified as Sandesh Pratap Singh alias Raj, Vivek Prajapati, Nitin Kundi and Prince Gupta alias Sallu Bhai — were apprehended by the STF near Kalyan Apartment crossing on the embankment road leading towards Samta Mulak Chauraha under Ghazipur police station limits.During the operation, STF personnel intercepted a car allegedly being used for transporting weapons. A search led to the recovery of two .32-bore semi-automatic pistols, four magazines, 50 live cartridges, seven spent cartridge cases, five mobile phones, Rs 2,420 in cash and the vehicle used in the operation.Additional SP STF Amit Nagar said a case under relevant provisions of the Arms Act has been registered at Ghazipur police station and further investigation is underway.According to STF officials, the alleged mastermind of the racket, Nitin Kundi, revealed during interrogation that he and some of his associates were previously involved in the trafficking of synthetic drugs and OG before entering the illegal arms trade.

Investigators said Kundi claimed that after suffering a bullet injury during a police encounter around two years ago and subsequently securing release from jail, he decided to procure firearms to strengthen his criminal network, settle scores with rivals and facilitate extortion activities.Police records show that Kundi has an extensive history of offences dating back to 2017. Several cases against him involve attempted murder, extortion, rioting, criminal intimidation and Arms Act violations.

Authorities had also initiated action against him under the Goonda Act, and he had previously been externed from Lucknow district.Investigators said another accused, Sandesh Pratap Singh, allegedly told police that he is a partner in a real estate company, Lord Vision Infra Development Private Limited. He allegedly admitted that firearms were used to exert pressure in property disputes, establish local dominance and facilitate illegal land occupation and extortion.The accused also allegedly named a supplier, Abhi alias Abhishek of Gorakhpur, who is believed to have provided the recovered weapons and ammunition. STF officials said the gang would buy pistols for around Rs 25,000 and sell them for Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000, while cartridges bought for Rs 300-350 were sold at a profit for Rs 400-500 each.