The East Singhbhum police arrested two youths late on Tuesday night and recovered three firearms from their possession along NH-33 under the MGM police station area. The arrested individuals, identified as Vishwajit Singh alias Rocky and Rahul Singh alias Chhotu, were wanted in connection with a gunshot attack on a youth, Lavkush Kushbaha, at Turiabera on March 29.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kishore Kaushal provided details of the arrest. He stated that a police team, actively investigating the firing incident, received intelligence about the whereabouts of the suspects. Acting swiftly on a tip-off, the police learned that the duo were loitering near the DWPS School in Turiabera on a motorcycle.

Upon reaching the location, police confirmed the suspects' presence. However, as soon as the accused spotted the police, they attempted to flee, abandoning their motorcycle. The officers launched a chase and successfully nabbed both suspects after a brief pursuit.

During the subsequent search, law enforcement officers recovered two loaded pistols, including a country-made firearm, from Rocky, while Chhotu was found carrying a loaded pistol as well.

The SSP revealed that during interrogation, both accused confessed to having fired at Lavkush Kushbaha on March 29 due to an old enmity. The investigation has revealed that the dispute dates back to a clash in 2022, following which an FIR had been lodged against the duo by Lavkush.

Sources indicate that Rocky and Chhotu had been pressuring Lavkush to reach an out-of-court settlement and withdraw the case filed against them. When Lavkush refused to comply, the accused resorted to violence, attacking him with firearms in an attempt to intimidate him into submission.

Both accused, residents of Subhash Colony in Mango, were taken into custody and will be produced in court before being remanded to judicial custody. Meanwhile, police continue their investigation to ascertain whether the accused were linked to any other criminal activities in the region.

“Law enforcement officials have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order, emphasizing that strict action will be taken against those involved in unlawful activities. The recovery of illegal firearms has raised concerns over the circulation of arms in the city, prompting the police to intensify their crackdown on illicit weapons and criminal networks,” said a social worker.