Lucknow: An illegal arms manufacturing unit was unearthed just 100 meters from a police station in Lucknow on Thursday evening, triggering questions about local vigilance. Acting on confidential information, law enforcement agencies raided a residence in the Malihabad area and seized a large cache of illegal firearms, ammunition, and wildlife contraband.
During the raid, authorities recovered 14 firearms of various types, over 100 rounds of ammunition, and components used for manufacturing weapons. Additionally, the police found a deer hide on the premises, prompting wildlife protection concerns.
Preliminary reports indicated that the suspect operated under the guise of a traditional healer. Locals revealed that unusual noises, believed to be from machinery, were often heard from the premises. Several visitors, many of whom appeared suspicious to neighbors, frequented the location.
The house, located close to the Malihabad police station, had rooms reportedly rented to short-term occupants. Authorities are investigating whether these rooms were being used to store or assemble weapons.
The accused was found at home with family members and another individual at the time of the raid. Both are currently under police custody for questioning. A case has been registered under the Arms Act and the Wildlife Protection Act.
Senior police officials stated that further investigations are ongoing, and state-level agencies have been alerted due to the nature of the materials recovered. A detailed forensic examination of the seized items is expected to follow.
The incident has raised concerns over how such operations could persist unnoticed so close to law enforcement facilities.
