Human couriers sneaking in guns from MP’s Khandwa for two years

LUCKNOW: Needy youths are being used as human couriers by gangs to sneak in illegal firearms into UP from Khandwa district of MP for two years now, the UP Special Task Force (STF), which busted a gang in Allahabad a couple of months ago, has revealed.

So far this year, the STF has seized 211 arms and 472 cartridges in different districts. More than 60% of these arms were sourced from Khandwa, which is emerging as the new illegal arms manufacturing den in north India.Earlier, Munger district of Bihar had the monopoly, cops said. Both are known for making unauthorised firearms far better in quality than those improvised in UP’s Lucknow, Barabanki, Hardoi and Shahjahanpur districts .
ASP (STF) Satyasen Yadav said since 2016, Khandwa became a major hub of illegal arms. “The Sikligar tribe in this region has become adept in making lookalikes of the German Mauser and the Italian Beretta, with similar 9mm and .30 and .32 bores.”
The ASP said these duplicates were sold at affordable prices. “Hence, Khandwa is giving stiff competition to Munger. The guns made here are more sophisticated and lighter in weight,” he said, adding that the arms of Khandwa had also made inroads in NCR and Rajasthan.
On the marketing strategy, Yadav said contrary to Bihar gangs, who smuggle firearms in bulk, those in MP use human couriers.
“Our investigations have revealed that they search for needy youths and lure them with handsome commission. These youths bring in arms — usually one or two at a time — by bus. Initially, the gangs tried to sneak in 10-12 guns at a time, but many couriers got arrested. Now, they have changed strategy,” the ASP said.
Another senior STF officer said, “People with licensed guns must be asked to submit all shells before being issued live cartridges.” The officer also hinted that licensed arms holders often sold ammunition in the grey market for a premium.