In a fresh attempt to nab illegal arms dealers in the district, Sehore police arrested seven persons on March 27, but failed to nab the mastermind of the illegal arms trade in the area.
Following a tip-off on Holi day, Sehore police nabbed Dilip Singh with five country-made pistols and 20 rounds of live cartridges. Twenty seven-year-old Dilip is a resident of Datia district.
In course of interrogation, Dilip revealed the names of his associates, including Rakesh Gaur, Arjun alias Ajay, Naeem, Salim, Rambabu Dangi and Khubilal, who were nabbed along with pistols, country-made guns and live cartridges.
However, the police failed to catch Balveer Singh Dangi, the mastermind of the illegal arms trade in the area. Reportedly, Dilip Singh was caught when he was on his way to deliver an arms consignment to Balveer.
Balveer has been involved in illegal arms trade for long. He sells countrymade guns and pistol for anything between Rs20,000 and Rs40,000. His involvement has also surfaced in many other serious crimes in the area, including murder. last year, he was extended from the district.
However, the police have made no progress in the case of seizure of two guns and hundreds of live cartridges from Kasba locality nearly five days back. The police have been unable to nab anyone in the matter.
It is believed that illegal arms are being used in poaching in forest areas in Sehore and adjoining districts. Thus the inaction on part of the police is also endangering the wildlife in the area. So far, the Forest department and the police have not been able to control poaching or arrest hunters.