Who Are the Seven Arrested in Punjab for Arms Smuggling?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Amritsar Police dismantled a cross-border arms smuggling network.
- Seven individuals were arrested, including a juvenile.
- A total of 15 advanced pistols were seized.
- The suspects were in contact with handlers in Pakistan.
- Ongoing investigations aim to expose the full extent of the network.
Chandigarh, Oct 31 (NationPress) In an extensive intelligence-driven operation, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police has successfully dismantled a cross-border arms smuggling network associated with smugglers from Pakistan. This operation led to the capture of seven individuals, including a juvenile, and the seizure of 15 advanced pistols, as reported by Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Friday.
The suspects have been identified as Shamsher Singh, also known as Sima (30), and Amandeep Singh, aka Bobby (23), both from Fakir Singh Colony in Amritsar; Balwinder Singh, also referred to as Kaka (26), Gurdev Singh (40), Karanpreet Singh (19), and Harman Singh (19), all hailing from Kakkar village in Amritsar Rural; along with a 17-year-old juvenile.
The confiscated firearms comprise nine 9MM Glock pistols and six .30 bore pistols. DGP Yadav stated that initial investigations suggest the arrested individuals were communicating with a handler based in Pakistan via social media and were actively engaged in the procurement and distribution of illegal firearms throughout Punjab.
DGP Yadav confirmed that ongoing investigations aim to uncover and dismantle the complete network, including both its backward and forward connections. The Commissioner of Police (Amritsar), Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, explained that the juvenile, who was in touch with handlers in Pakistan and was responsible for collecting consignments due to his village's vicinity to the international border, was first apprehended with two pistols.
Following the juvenile's interrogation, Shamsher Singh and Amandeep Singh were taken into custody along with three pistols, including one Glock. The two were reportedly aiding the juvenile in the delivery of the firearms.
After pursuing technical and forensic leads, Balwinder Singh was arrested with two Glock pistols and one .30 bore pistol. DGP Yadav mentioned that the technical analysis of the juvenile's mobile device revealed the involvement of Gurdev Singh, as both were found in each other's contacts and linked to a common handler in Pakistan via multiple social media platforms.
Under the handler's guidance, they distributed the weapons through local associates.