Rudrapur: The Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) has arrested the alleged mastermind of a fake arms licence racket as part of its ongoing crackdown against forged weapon licences in the state. The accused, Satanand Sharma, was arrested from Rudrapur following an extensive investigation into suspicious arms licences transferred from other states.
Senior Superintendent of Police, STF, Ajay Singh said the investigation began during the probe of an FIR registered at Kashipur Kotwali Police Station. During the inquiry, Sharma’s role emerged as a key figure in preparing and distributing forged arms licences across multiple districts of Uttar Pradesh and other areas.
Illegal business worth ₹1.70 crore
According to STF officials, Sharma allegedly created forged and fabricated arms licences and supplied them to a large number of individuals. Investigators claim that around ₹1.70 crore was deposited into his bank account through the illegal operation.
The accused was arrested on Tuesday evening from the Rudrapur area after police teams tracked his movements.
Previously arrested in similar cases
Officials said Sharma has a history of involvement in fake arms licence cases. He was previously arrested in similar cases registered in Ghaziabad and Shahjahanpur districts of Uttar Pradesh.
Cases have reportedly been registered against him at Kavi Nagar Police Station and Puwayan Police Station. He has also faced action under the Gangster Act.
14 illegal weapons seized so far
The STF investigation has led to the recovery of 14 illegal firearms, including two pump-action guns, two rifles, nine pistols and one revolver. Authorities have also seized 355 live cartridges and several forged arms licences during the operation.
So far, nine accused persons linked to the racket have been arrested and sent to jail.
Verification of thousands of licences underway
The STF is currently verifying thousands of arms licences that were transferred to Uttarakhand from other states. Officials said further action will be taken based on evidence uncovered during the verification process.
SSP Ajay Singh stated that fake arms licences pose a serious threat to national security and public safety, adding that Uttarakhand Police is following a zero-tolerance policy against such offences.
