Baghpat (UP), May 16 (PTI) Police on Saturday busted an illegal arms manufacturing unit operating from a dilapidated building in the Baraut area here and arrested three people, officials said.
A large quantity of illegal firearms, cartridges and weapon-making equipment was recovered from the accused, they said.
SP Suraj Kumar Rai said police had received information that an illegal arms factory had been running for a long time from a deserted structure near the Eastern Yamuna Canal barrage.
Following a raid, police arrested Salim, Farman and Shoaib from the spot, he said.
According to police, Farman and Shoaib are residents of Baghpat, while Salim belongs to the Meerut region.
Police recovered 13 country-made .315 bore pistols, five 12 bore country-made pistols, two illegal 12 bore guns, two live .315 bore cartridges, five empty cartridges and six semi-finished barrels from the accused, besides various tools used in manufacturing weapons.
The SP said the mastermind of the gang managed to flee during the police action.
A case has been registered at Baraut police station and further legal proceedings are underway, police said.