Gujarat: 21 Individuals Arrested in Gun Licence Fraud, 25 Firearms Confiscated
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Synopsis
Ahmedabad's Crime Branch has apprehended 21 individuals linked to a major gun licence scam, seizing 25 illegal firearms. The investigation extends beyond Surendranagar, revealing a multi-state network and the involvement of a mastermind. Authorities are committed to dismantling the operation and have reported a separate financial fraud affecting over 11,000 victims.
Key Takeaways
- 21 individuals arrested in the gun licence scam.
- 25 illegal firearms confiscated.
- Fraudulent licences acquired from northeastern states.
- Ongoing investigations to dismantle the entire network.
- Authorities promise strict action against offenders.
Ahmedabad, March 30 (NationPress) The recent operation by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch has revealed a significant gun licence fraud operation that extends well beyond the Surendranagar district in Gujarat.
An official stated that the inquiry was initiated following the apprehension of Bharat Thunga, also known as Bharat Bharwad or Tako, who was discovered with illegal weapons.
After Tako's capture, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Surendranagar Special Operations Group (SOG) escalated their investigation into the illegal gun trade.
In a rapid three-day crackdown, the Surendranagar SOG team identified 21 individuals implicated in the scam, confiscating 25 illegal weapons and gun licences purportedly sourced from northeastern states like Manipur and Nagaland. Investigators noted that 14 of the 21 suspects have prior criminal records.
The official revealed that the orchestrator of the scam, known as Mukesh Bambha or Mukesh Bharwad, along with Vijay Bharwad and a Haryana-based accomplice named Shaukat, allegedly facilitated the illegal acquisition of gun licences for hefty fees.
Moreover, suspects based in Surendranagar obtained these counterfeit licences from northeastern states, indicating a cross-border network of illicit arms trafficking.
“Law enforcement agencies are actively working to dismantle the entire operation and uncover additional connections in the scam,” the official remarked.
The authorities have pledged strict measures against those participating in the illegal arms trade.
In a related note, during March, the Gujarat government reported a significant financial scam affecting 11,183 individuals who lost around Rs 422 crore.
An official disclosed that the fraudsters enticed victims with false claims of doubling their investments, resulting in major financial losses.
“In Ahmedabad, a 41-year-old software developer fell prey to cyber fraud, losing Rs 65.52 lakh,” he stated.
An unidentified caller convinced him that a parcel containing drugs and passports was sent in his name.
“Under duress, he transferred nearly all his funds to the scammer, believing he was under investigation,” he concluded.
