Gonda Police Nab History-Sheeter With Illegal Firearm
Gonda police arrest Devanand, a known criminal with 15 prior cases, after recovering an illegal pistol and ammunition near Maheshpur village.
In a significant breakthrough during an intensified anti-crime campaign, the Nawabganj police in Gonda district have arrested a notorious criminal identified as Devanand, also known as Devender. The arrest occurred after the suspect was caught in possession of an illegal firearm and live ammunition.
The Dramatic Apprehension
The operation unfolded on Friday, November 6, 2026, while the Nawabganj police team was conducting routine patrolling and vehicle checks. Acting on a precise tip-off from a reliable informant, officers were alerted that a man carrying an illegal weapon was heading toward the highway from Maheshpur village.
Strategically positioning themselves, the police intercepted the suspect near the Maheshpur village railway underpass. As soon as Devanand spotted the police presence, he attempted to flee the scene. However, the officers acted swiftly, surrounding him and bringing him under control.
Seizures and Legal Action
A thorough search of the accused led to the recovery of the following items:
- A .315-bore country-made pistol
- One .315-bore live cartridge
- Cash amounting to 200 rupees (two 100-rupee notes)
Following the recovery, the Nawabganj police station registered a case under FIR number 372/2026, invoking Section 3/25 of the Arms Act to initiate formal legal proceedings against the accused.
A Long Trail of Crime
Authorities revealed that Devanand, a resident of Ashokpur village and son of Vijay Pratap, is a seasoned history-sheeter with an extensive criminal record. He is currently facing 15 registered cases across multiple jurisdictions, including:
- Nawabganj
- Tarabganj
- Ayodhya district
- GRP Faizabad jurisdiction
His previous charges span a wide range of illegal activities, including theft, recovery cases, multiple violations of the Arms Act, and charges under the Gangster Act.
The Team Behind the Operation
The successful operation was carried out by a dedicated team led by Sub-Inspector Amarjeet Sonkar, the In-charge of the Saryughat Outpost. He was supported by Head Constables Ashok Yadav, Dharmendra Singh, Vijay Singh Yadav, and Kailash Patel.