Lucknow: Police have zeroed in on a Sitapur lawyer while tracing the suspected supply of three firearms allegedly procured by Manas Bajpayi.Manas, who was posted at the Jankipuram branch of a nationalised bank, had no criminal record, reportedly arranged three weapons — two pistols and a country-made firearm — within a short period.Police suspect the lawyer might have helped Manas establish contact with some firearms supplier. The lawyer is likely to be questioned soon as police seek to determine the nature of his association with Manas and whether he had any role in procuring or facilitating the weapons.The fact that Manas had no known criminal background has made the procurement of three weapons within a short period a major riddle for police.Police are examining whether he had any earlier links with arms suppliers or whether the weapons were arranged specifically after the August 18 family court hearing.According to sources, the lawyer’s name surfaced after police examined Manas’s contacts and interactions.Police are also likely to examine call-detail records and digital evidence to establish whether there was communication between Bajpayee and the lawyer immediately before the suspected procurement of the weapons.Officials have not yet concluded that the lawyer supplied or arranged the firearms. His possible involvement remains a line of investigation, and his questioning is expected to clarify whether he had any direct or indirect role in the weapon trail.Police are also checking whether the firearms were legally registered, illegally sourced or obtained through intermediaries. The investigation will also examine Manas’s financial records for any transactions that could be linked to the procurement of the weapons.
