Chhendipada: Forest department officials, assisted by police, unearthed an illegal country-made gun manufacturing unit and an unauthorised timber depot during a joint raid in Durgapur village under Jarapada police limits in Anugola district Monday.
Two brothers were arrested in connection with the case.
The accused, identified as Abhaya Nayak and Malaya Nayak of Durgapur village, were produced before a local court after their arrest.
Acting on a tip-off about an illegal firearm manufacturing unit allegedly supplying weapons for wildlife hunting, officials from the Jarapada forest range and police carried out a raid at the brothers’ residence.
During the search, officials seized components used to manufacture country-made firearms, including two gun barrels, two ramrods, 20 grams of gunpowder, 23 lead pellets and hunting equipment.
They also recovered partially finished wooden furniture and kendu leaves from the premises.
The raid further led to the detection of an illegal timber depot allegedly operated by the accused.
For est offi cials seized 14 teak planks, 12 processed sal timber logs, a wood-cutting machine, two electric saws, two jigsaw cutting machines and a wood-polishing machine.
A case has been registered under the relevant provisions of the Forest Act, and further investigation is underway.
Jarapada forest range officer Madhab Nayak said the department has intensified its drive against illegal firearm manufacturing and wildlife hunting, adding that strict action would continue against offenders.
