Dibrugarh: A suspected Ulfa-I worker and arms dealer was apprehended in Tinsukia district on Tuesday.Personnel from 20 Assam Rifles, 7 Field Regiment, and the Assam Police conducted the operation at Katha Basti in Kakopathar during the intervening night of Sept 14 and 15.The apprehended person, identified as Md Salauddin (52), a resident of Aboi HQ in Nagaland’s Mon district, was found with a 7.65mm pistol, stated to be made in Japan and four live rounds. The security personnel also recovered a dagger, two mobile phones, Rs 1,320 in cash, a pair of jungle boots and a packet of surgical gloves.According to preliminary interrogation, Salauddin reportedly admitted to involvement in extortion and illegal arms dealing. Security sources said he earlier operated in Charaideo district’s Sonari area and was allegedly involved in supplying weapons to several people in Tinsukia district over the past three months.The interrogation indicated the possible existence of an arms-distribution network in the area, with weapons allegedly being supplied to multiple people, including suspected anti-national elements.A security official said the recovery of the pistol and ammunition was significant in view of Salauddin’s suspected involvement in illegal arms trafficking.“The recovery of the pistol and ammunition is being investigated to establish the wider network and the source and intended recipients of the weapons,” the official said.Salauddin and the seized items were handed over to Kakopathar police station for legal action. Police are expected to investigate his alleged links with Ulfa-I, the source of the firearm and possible links with others involved in the suspected arms-distribution network.
