Agartala, Jan 14: Tripura Police carried out a late-night raid at Kartik Chowmuhani under Amtali Police Station on Tuesday, leading to the arrest of a man and the seizure of equipment used for manufacturing illegal firearms, along with live cartridges.
Acting on a specific tip-off, a police team led by Sub-Inspector Mrinal Paul swiftly conducted the operation and secured the premises. During a thorough search, the team recovered seven cartridge cases, bullet components and specialised tools suspected to be used in the fabrication of country-made firearms. The seizure has raised serious concerns about illegal arms production in the area.
The accused has been identified as Balbair Singh, who was taken into custody at the spot and is currently being interrogated. Confirming the development, Amtali Sub-Divisional Police Officer Parmita Pandey said that Singh will be produced before a local court on Thursday. Police will seek his remand to facilitate further questioning and to uncover possible links to a wider illegal arms network.
According to the police, the seized materials have been sent for forensic examination to determine their origin, functionality and intended use. Investigators are also trying to ascertain whether the recovered items were meant for local circulation or for supply to criminal groups beyond the area.
Officials revealed that the accused had a previous criminal case registered against him in 2024 at Kalamchoura Police Station in Sepahijala district. The investigating team is now examining whether there is any connection between the earlier case and the present seizure.
Police sources said the investigation will focus on identifying the supply chain, possible associates and the source of raw materials used in manufacturing the weapons. Raids at other suspected locations may also follow based on leads emerging from the interrogation.
The operation has once again highlighted growing concerns over illegal arms activities in Tripura. Senior police officials emphasised that intelligence-driven operations, continuous surveillance and public cooperation are essential to curb the menace of unlawful weapons and to ensure public safety across the state.
