Knife menace under police scanner in Bilaspur, 276 seized, 300 cases booked
•Arms Act invoked across city crackdown
•Online trafficking channels under investigation
•Court finds police action satisfactory
By : Akshay Lehre
Bilaspur : With street stabbings spilling from campuses into neighbourhoods, Bilaspur Police have mounted a sweeping crackdown on illegal knife possession, seizing 276 weapons and booking over 300 cases under the Arms Act. The operation, led under Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rajneesh Singh, has drawn judicial approval after detailed case files and recoveries were placed before the court.
The SSP underlined that no individual, whether student or otherwise, would be spared if found violating the law. “There is no prejudice against students. Our objective is to ensure a safe and fear-free environment. But anyone indulging in crime must face the consequences,” Singh told reporters. He stressed that investigations, not assumptions, were guiding the action, and those found guilty would face stringent legal steps.
According to police data, 276 knives were seized during online trafficking crackdowns, while another 36 were recovered from offenders arriving from adjoining districts. Singh confirmed that every seizure and prosecution has been documented and submitted in compliance with judicial procedure, and that the judiciary has expressed satisfaction with the proactive measures.
The police chief also flagged the importance of channelled communication with authorities. Hundreds of citizens throng the SSP office daily, often with grievances. However, Singh emphasised that orderly representation was the constructive way forward. “Mass gatherings and sloganeering cannot resolve problems. The most effective method is to submit a memorandum through a group of five or six representatives. Dialogue is the basis of solutions,” he said.
In the wake of heightened public concern and social media speculation, Singh appealed for restraint and cooperation. He noted that rumours and exaggerated portrayals were distorting the ground reality. “Stabbing incidents have been highlighted disproportionately in the media. The situation is under control. Our priorities remain curbing narcotics, illegal arms, and organised crime. Safety can only be sustained through police-public partnership,” he asserted.
As the campaign continues, Bilaspur Police have stepped up surveillance near educational institutions, transport hubs, and known crime pockets, while monitoring online marketplaces that had emerged as supply channels. Singh reiterated that the drive was not a temporary measure but part of a long-term commitment to restoring security and confidence among residents.
