In a significant crackdown on organized crime networks, a joint police operation in Uttarakhand has led to the arrest of a key figure allegedly supplying illegal weapons to the notorious Bambiha gang.
Key Arrest and Recovery in Bajpur
The Uttarakhand Police Special Task Force (STF), in collaboration with the Udham Singh Nagar police, apprehended a 32-year-old man from Bajpur on Saturday. The arrest yielded a substantial haul of illegal arms. Officials confirmed the recovery of five weapons, which included four semi-automatic pistols and one rifle, along with 40 cartridges, from the accused's possession.
Notorious Past and Gangland Connections
The arrested individual has been identified as Mohammed Asim. STF Senior Superintendent of Police Navneet Singh revealed that Asim is not a new name to law enforcement. He was previously implicated in the sensational 2016 Nabha jailbreak in Punjab, where 15 armed men attacked the prison and facilitated the escape of two terrorists and four gangsters.
"Investigations indicate that Asim has been supplying arms to members of the Bambiha gang since 2016," stated SSP Singh. He emphasized the importance of this arrest, noting that the Bambiha gang is considered the arch-rival of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, highlighting the inter-gang dynamics at play.
History of Illegal Arms Trade
Asim's criminal record shows a deep involvement in the illicit arms trade. He was arrested earlier for supplying over 100 cartridges to those involved in the Nabha jailbreak case, for which he served a six-year prison sentence. His activities continued upon release. In 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) detained him after raiding a gun shop he operated using a license issued in his elder brother's name. Both brothers were questioned by the agency in connection with that case.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Rishi Chamola provided further insights, stating that the probe has uncovered the involvement of more individuals linked to Asim's network. "Investigation is underway to track them down. We suspect that Asim sourced arms from contacts in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh," Chamola said.
He also highlighted the broader success of the STF's operations, noting that the force has so far arrested four accused in as many cases related to illegal arms supply, recovering a total of 15 pistols, one rifle, and 40 live cartridges.
