From Book Stall To Gun Racket: Karnataka Police Arrest 13 In Illegal Firearms Case
From Book Stall To Gun Racket: Karnataka Police Arrest 13 In Illegal Firearms Case Published By, Last Updated: June 02, 2026, 08:59 IST During the
From Book Stall To Gun Racket: Karnataka Police Arrest 13 In Illegal Firearms Case Published By, Last Updated: June 02, 2026, 08:59 IST During the crackdown, police seized 21 gun triggers, 5 heads, 15 gun nipples, 1 sealing weld component, 34 packets of gunpowder, 499 lead pellets, 420 caps and 48 live cartridges. Rapid Read (AI Image) Karnataka Police have busted an illegal country-made pistol manufacturing and supply network operating from Katagali village in Khanapur taluk of Belagavi district, arresting 13 people and seizing nine firearms along with a large cache of weapon components and ammunition-related materials. According to investigators, the alleged operation was run by the main accused, Maruti Sutar, a resident of Katagali village, who had been manufacturing country-made pistols from his residence since 2024.
During searches, police recovered one pistol from his house and traced eight others that had allegedly been sold to buyers in Belagavi and Uttara Kannada districts. Police said the accused manufactured both single-loaded and double-loaded country-made pistols, NDTV reported. The illegal network was uncovered during an investigation into a murder case registered in Khanapur taluk in 2024. While tracing the weapon used in the crime, investigators allegedly discovered the broader firearm manufacturing and distribution racket. Among those arrested are Maruti Sutar, Somanath Chougale, Santosh Naik, Maruti Gudadyagol, Balu Naik, Laxman Gujanal, Basavaraj Salotagi, Basavant Yaramalkar and Laxman Gurav, among others. Investigators alleged that Mariyappa Naik financed the production of the country-made pistols, while Vishwanath Desai supplied firearm parts used in their manufacture.
Desai, who ran a book stall in Joida in the Uttara Kannada district, was allegedly involved in the sale of gun parts and ammunition-related materials. During the crackdown, police seized 21 gun triggers, five heads, 15 gun nipples, one sealing weld component, 34 packets of gunpowder, 499 lead pellets, 420 caps and 48 live cartridges. The investigation further revealed that the raw materials used to manufacture the firearms were allegedly sourced from Khanjar Galli in Belagavi. Police claimed the supplies were procured through a gun shop that had officially shut down in 2021. The shop owner, Vijay Angolkar, has also been named as an accused for allegedly conducting unauthorised sales. According to police, firearm components were sold to Vishwanath Desai, who then facilitated their distribution.
A case has been registered at Khanapur Police Station. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Karnataka, India, India First Published: June 02, 2026, 08:59 IST News india From Book Stall To Gun Racket: Karnataka Police Arrest 13 In Illegal Firearms Case Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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