The Anekal police have busted an alleged illegal gun-dealing network operating in and around Bengaluru and arrested seven persons, including six alleged notorious rowdy-sheeters.

The arrested have been identified as Pradeep Ramesh, Manoj alias Jackie, Rizwan Pasha alias Kulla Rizwan, Nanjappa alias Deadly Nanja, Venkatraju alias Tukadi, Gopi alias Sunavara Gopi and Shivraj.

The police, led by Inspector Prakash, allegedly seized five country-made pistols and 10 rounds of ammunition from the accused. Investigators are also probing the suspected involvement of influential politicians and real-estate businessmen in the network.

The racket came to light recently when Anekal police personnel on patrol noticed some men standing suspiciously with a bag near the Haldenahalli railway gate on the outskirts of Anekal.

The police stopped and searched them, recovering three country-made pistols and 10 rounds. During questioning, investigators allegedly uncovered the larger illegal arms supply and sale network.

During the investigation, police reportedly found that Dawood, a suspected kingpin from Bed Ghat village in Madhya Pradesh, was allegedly supplying firearms to the Bengaluru network.

According to investigators, Dawood allegedly sent the firearms to Anekal by train through Pradeep Ramesh, who had allegedly brought the weapons to the city and was waiting to deliver them when he was arrested.

The investigation also revealed the alleged sale of two other country-made pistols. The police found that one pistol each had allegedly been sold to K.G. Halli rowdy-sheeter Kulla Rizwan and Jackie. The weapons were subsequently recovered from their possession.

The police have arrested seven accused in the case so far and have launched a search for other suspects linked to the Madhya Pradesh-based arms supplier.