AK-47, grenades seized as Punjab Police busts illegal arms network in Amritsar
Synopsis
In back-to-back operations within a single week, Amritsar Rural Police has now seized two AK-47s, an AK-56, live grenades, and over 10 kg of heroin — exposing what investigators describe as an active foreign-linked arms and explosives pipeline running through Punjab's border belt.
Key Takeaways
Amritsar Rural Police arrested Navjot Singh, 28 , of Tarn Taran on intelligence-based intercept on 4 October 2026 .
Recovered items include one AK-47 assault rifle , a magazine, nine cartridges , and two live hand grenades .
Preliminary probe links the accused to foreign-based smugglers ; his motorcycle used for transport has been impounded.
An FIR was registered at Gharinda police station under the Arms Act and Explosive Substances Act on 30 September .
Within the previous week, the same unit busted another network, recovering 10.030 kg heroin , an AK-47 , an AK-56 , and arresting three people .
Amritsar Rural Police on Sunday, 4 October 2026, dismantled an illegal arms and explosives supply network operating in Punjab, arresting one individual and recovering an AK-47 assault rifle, a magazine, nine cartridges, and two live hand grenades from his possession. Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav confirmed the breakthrough, describing it as a significant strike against cross-border weapons smuggling.
The Accused and the Recovery
The arrested individual has been identified as Navjot Singh, 28, a truck driver and resident of Cheema village in Tarn Taran district. Police teams intercepted him while he was riding a motorcycle and recovered the arms and explosives during a search. His motorcycle, allegedly used to transport the consignment, has also been impounded.
Preliminary investigation has reportedly established that Singh was linked to foreign-based smugglers and was allegedly involved in procuring and delivering illegal weapons. Further investigation is underway to map the full extent of the network, according to officials.
How the Operation Was Executed
Inspector General of Police, Border Range, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the operation was launched on the basis of precise intelligence inputs. Special teams of Amritsar Rural Police mounted a targeted intercept, stopping Singh mid-route before the consignment could be delivered.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Amritsar Rural, Kanwalpreet Singh Chahal said the operation was conducted under the direct supervision of Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Ramandeep Singh and Deputy Superintendents of Police Gurinderpal Singh Nagra and Yadwinder Singh.
Legal Action
A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at the Gharinda police station in Amritsar Rural under Section 25(8) of the Arms Act and Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act. The case was formally registered on 30 September.
A Pattern of Cross-Border Arms Seizures
This arrest is the second such bust by Amritsar Rural Police within a week. Just days earlier, the same unit dismantled a separate illegal arms and narcotics network, arresting three individuals — a woman, her husband, and her brother — and recovering 10.030 kg of heroin, two sophisticated assault rifles including an AK-47 and an AK-56, three magazines, and 10 cartridges.
The back-to-back operations point to sustained pressure on cross-border supply routes in the Amritsar border belt, an area long identified as a key corridor for arms and drugs flowing in from across the India-Pakistan border. Investigators are expected to trace Singh's foreign contacts as the probe deepens.
Point of View
A weapon rarely available domestically, points to an organised transnational pipeline rather than opportunistic smuggling. What remains unaddressed is the demand side: who are the end-users, and what is the intended operational purpose of these weapons? Until investigators publicly account for the full network — including the foreign-based handlers — each arrest risks being treated as a terminal point rather than a node in a larger architecture.
NationPress
4 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in the Amritsar Rural Police arms bust?
The arrested individual is Navjot Singh, 28 , a truck driver and resident of Cheema village in Tarn Taran district, Punjab. He was intercepted while riding a motorcycle during a targeted intelligence-based operation.
What weapons and explosives were recovered in the Punjab arms seizure?
Police recovered one AK-47 assault rifle with a magazine and nine cartridges, along with two live hand grenades. The motorcycle used to transport the consignment was also seized.
What is the legal case registered against Navjot Singh?
An FIR has been registered at Gharinda police station under Section 25(8) of the Arms Act and Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act. The case was formally registered on 30 September.
Is Navjot Singh linked to foreign smugglers?
According to preliminary investigation, Singh is reportedly linked to foreign-based smugglers and was allegedly involved in procuring illegal weapons. Investigators are working to uncover the full network.
Is this the first such seizure by Amritsar Rural Police recently?
No — this is the second major bust within a week. Days earlier, the same unit arrested three people and recovered 10.030 kg of heroin, an AK-47, an AK-56, three magazines, and 10 cartridges in a separate operation.
