Uttar Pradesh STF arrests interstate arms smuggling gang member

The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has arrested a member of an interstate illegal arms smuggling gang in Gorakhpur. The suspect, identified as Devendra Saxena, also known as Bittu Indori, was apprehended near the Kowabag underpass in the Cantt police station area. Authorities recovered two .32 bore pistols, two magazines, and one cartridge from his possession.

Investigations revealed that the gang operated from Sendhwa in Madhya Pradesh and Sonipat in Haryana, with active networks in the Purvanchal region, including Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Deoria, and Maharajganj. The group reportedly purchased illegal weapons from local artisans for 15,000 to 30,000 rupees and resold them for 35,000 to 40,000 rupees, earning a profit of 20,000 to 30,000 rupees per weapon.

Saxena stated he had been involved in smuggling for four to five years. He reportedly entered the trade after meeting another suspect, Shreyansh Yadav, while in Sendhwa jail in Madhya Pradesh. This arrest follows previous operations by the STF against the same gang in September and October.