Tirunelveli (TN), March 23: Eight members of a gang were arrested here for allegedly smuggling two “country pistols” from Madhya Pradesh with the objective of selling them for a “very high profit” in this district, police said today.
Santosh Raj Budh of Hadra district in Madhya Pradesh and seven persons hailing from Tirunelveli district were arrested following a routine vehicle check near Tenkasi.
The pistols had been procured in a Naxal-affected area in Madhya Pradesh for Rs 25,000 and brought to Tamil Nadu. The gang had negotiated with some persons to sell the pistols for Rs three lakh each, they said.
The car used for smuggling the pistols had been seized and the interrogation of the driver led to the arrest of the other members last night and today.
Police were investigating whether the gang members had links with the Naxals, officials said.
–Agencies