Gorakhpur: The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has broken up a suspected illegal firearms operation based in Gorakhpur, seizing a cache of guns, ammunition and detaining a suspected middleman.
Arrest of the alleged middleman
The individual taken into custody is identified as Ramesh Dutt Tripathi, also known by the aliases Bolbam, Abhishek Pandit and Chhotu. He hails from Vinayak Nagar in the Yamunanagar area under the jurisdiction of Naini police station, Prayagraj. STF officers intercepted him while he was reportedly waiting for a contact in the Siktaur locality.
Seized evidence
During the operation, officers recovered multiple firearms, a substantial stock of ammunition and the suspect’s mobile phone. All items have been placed under police custody pending forensic analysis and tracing of their origin.
Broader investigation under way
Initial questioning suggested the network may extend beyond Uttar Pradesh’s borders. The STF is now probing Tripathi’s alleged associates, including a person named Rajeev Yadav, to map the full scope of the operation.
Authorities are also examining whether similar weapon consignments have previously entered Gorakhpur or neighboring districts, and whether additional operatives were involved.
Legal proceedings
CO Cantt Arun Kumar S. confirmed that a case has been filed against Tripathi under the Arms Act. Further legal steps will depend on evidence uncovered during interrogation and the ongoing investigation.
Next steps
The STF continues to trace the source of the seized arms and identify potential end‑recipients. Officials cautioned that more arrests could follow as the probe progresses.
