Jamshedpur, Nov. 5: Six criminals were arrested and huge cache of arms and ammunition were recovered from various places in and outside the city in the past 24 hours.

Briefing reporters, East Singhbhum superintendent of police Navin Kumar Singh said the arrested persons were involved in a large number of crimes, including the murder of shoe baron Ashish Dey. The arrests were made in sequel to the investigation into the firing case in the Burmamines area of the city on Diwali night, he said.

Although Singh claimed that those arrested were involved in the Ashish Dey murder case, he did not clarify the exact reason behind the murder. “Ashish Dey may have been murdered in connection with some dispute over real estate. But the actual cause will be established shortly,” said the superintendent of police.

The arrested persons — Bitu Mishra alias Anish Mishra, Manoj Kumar Singh alias Bhola Singh, Om Prakash Bhagat alias Banti, Amzad Gaddi alias Amzad, Md Sheru alias Jahid and Md Mautif alias Arsad — are hardened criminals who used to work for dreaded don Akhilesh Singh.

Acting on a tip-off, the senior police officer said, first Bitu was arrested. He was involved in underworld activities.

“As the police raided Bitu’s house, we unearthed nine firearms, including a carbine. On being interrogated, the criminal spilled the beans and goons were arrested one after the other,” he said.

According to the superintendent of police, the arrested persons used to work for a monthly salary of Rs 3,000. “Not only did these criminals shoot for killing, but also opened fire to intimidate businessmen for extorting money at the behest of Akhilesh Singh,” he said.

He pointed out that some police officers as well as some people from the media were hand in glove with these criminals. Singh claimed that he would reveal the names of the police officers and reporters after getting strong evidence only. “During the interrogation, the arrested persons have divulged information about a couple of police officers, who used to help them in some way or the other. The role of some reporters is also being probed,” said Singh.