‘Seeing a surge in younger criminals accessing weapons’

Amid rampant use of firearms by criminals, Special Task Force (STF) DIG, Pinak Mishra speaks to Debabrata Mohapatra on the agency’s counter measures. Excerpts:
Q. There has been an increase in illegal firearms possession and usage in Odisha…
Though it is not as alarming in Odisha as compared to some other states, the use of firearms in crimes is always a cause for concern. We are aware of the trend and have intensified our crackdown. While traditional criminal groups were primary users earlier, we are now seeing younger criminals accessing these weapons.
Q. What are the main sources of illegal firearms entering Odisha?
We have identified three major sources — firstly, the illegal manufacturing units in neighbouring states like Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand; secondly, weapons being smuggled through interstate borders; and thirdly, small-scale local manufacturing units in remote areas.
Q. Last month police raided a firearms unit in Cuttack...
We busted an illegal arms manufacturing unit at Bada Dhuleswar village and arrested four interstate criminals. During interrogation, the accused revealed they were manufacturing country-made pistols and supplying them to Bengal and Bihar. We have got some leads about their gang members and are in touch with our counterparts in Bengal and Bihar to uncover the network.
Q. How is the police tackling the challenge of interstate weapons trafficking?
We have implemented a multi-pronged strategy — strengthening border checkpoints, conducting joint operations with neighbouring states, establishing a dedicated intelligence network, and using technology for surveillance.
Q. What challenges do you face in controlling the proliferation of illegal firearms?
Even though we are alert at border checkpoints, criminals take alternate routes. We had previously identified and choked several routes and arrested them. Our efforts are continuing.
Q. What measures are being taken to prevent youth from accessing illegal firearms?
We are implementing both preventive and awareness measures. This includes conducting awareness programmes in education institutes, working with community leaders, and strengthening our intelligence network at the grassroots level. We are also requesting citizens to anonymously provide information about illegal
weapons.