In a major crackdown, the Punjab Police have successfully disrupted a notorious illegal arms operation in Amritsar, leading to the arrest of three suspects and the confiscation of six pistols. Investigative efforts reveal a web of connections to smugglers in Pakistan, with the accused utilizing social media to orchestrate weapon transfers to criminal factions throughout the state.
AMRITSAR: Three men were arrested and three pistols were recovered from their possession after the Punjab Police busted a major illegal arms racket in Amritsair.The recovered pistols include two China-made .30 bore pistols, one Zigana .30 bore pistol and three .30 bore pistols.Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said that as per the initial probe, the accused were in contact with Pakistan-based smugglers through social media platforms and facilitated the smuggling of arms into the state.Yadav said that the accused used to supply the weapons to criminals across Punjab.The arrested men were identified as Mangal Singh alias Manga, 30, a resident of Kajikot village in Tarn Taran; Pranav Sharma alias Laddu, 24, a resident of Orchid Valley in Chheharta, Amritsar; and Gaurav Rana, 25, a resident of Guru Nanak Avenue in Amritsar.Senior police officers said that acting on specific intelligence, police teams arrested Mangal Singh and recovered a .30 bore pistol from his possession. Based on his disclosure, co-accused Pranav Sharma and Gaurav Rana were arrested, leading to the recovery of five additional pistols. He added that Pranav and Gaurav have a criminal history, with cases registered against them under the Arms Act, and are also wanted in a robbery case involving the use of firearms registered at Ranjit Avenue police station. An FIR has been registered at the Cantonment police station in Amritsar under relevant provisions of the Arms Act.(With agency inputs)
