Police Study Uncovers Link Between Bihar’s Violent Crimes and Network of Illegal Arms Trade, Fake Licenses

Bihar is currently facing a serious threat to law and order due to the widespread circulation of illegal firearms and fake weapon licenses. A recent police investigation has uncovered a well-organized network involved in manufacturing and distributing unlicensed weapons, as well as producing counterfeit arms licenses. This has directly contributed to the alarming rise in violent crimes across the state.

Illegal Gun Manufacturing on the Rise

Several parts of Bihar, especially districts like Munger and Nalanda, have become key centers for the illegal production of firearms. Over the past three years, the Special Task Force (STF) of Kolkata Police, working closely with Bihar police, has shut down 14 such illegal gun-making factories in Bihar and neighboring Jharkhand. These operations also resulted in the arrest of 58 people directly linked to the arms trade.

The recovered weapons include locally made but highly sophisticated pistols, often stamped with fake “Made in US” labels to boost their market value. These firearms are not only used within Bihar but are also smuggled into nearby states like Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha, where they’re sold at higher prices.

Fake Licenses Worsen the Problem

Another troubling development is the surge in fake arms licenses. In Muzaffarpur, three men were arrested for possessing automatic pistols and forged licenses, which they had obtained for around ₹3 lakh. These individuals worked as personal security guards, highlighting how fake licenses are being misused in the private security industry.

In another case from Buxar, police discovered a racket that was producing forged arms licenses with fake government stamps from Jammu and Kashmir and Udhampur. These licenses were being sold along with illegal weapons, enabling unauthorized individuals to carry firearms with apparent legal cover.

Law Enforcement Faces Tough Battle

Police have increased their efforts to tackle these growing threats. For instance, in March 2023, a raid in Siwan led to the arrest of a gun dealer operating an unauthorized firearm repair unit. Authorities recovered eight pistols and 11 live cartridges from the site, showing how easily these weapons can be assembled and sold.

To combat the issue of forged licenses, Bihar’s Home Department has issued a directive requiring verification of all arms licenses issued in other states by February 15, 2024. This move is aimed at preventing people from acquiring weapons with fraudulent documents from regions like Jammu and Kashmir or Nagaland.

Impact on Public Safety

The unchecked spread of illegal arms and forged licenses is making Bihar increasingly unsafe. The easy availability of weapons has led to a rise in crimes such as extortion, gang violence, and targeted killings. Worryingly, individuals with political or criminal backgrounds are also involved in distributing these weapons, giving criminal elements more power and protection.

The Way Forward

Bihar’s illegal arms crisis cannot be solved through police action alone. It requires a multi-pronged approach: stronger laws, tighter enforcement, better tracking of arms licenses, and greater public awareness about the dangers of illegal weapons. Technology-based monitoring systems and inter-state coordination could also play a vital role in curbing the spread.

In conclusion, the state must take swift and coordinated action to dismantle these networks. Without firm and sustained efforts, the situation could spiral further out of control, undermining public trust in law enforcement and threatening overall safety in the region.