In a significant crackdown on organized crime networks operating in the capital region, the Delhi Police has made a crucial arrest that sheds light on the intricate web of illegal arms trafficking and document forgery. The authorities have apprehended Hardesh, who is widely known by his alias Sonu, on serious allegations of financing illegal arms deals and masterminding a sophisticated fake passport racket.
Key Figure in Arms Smuggling Network Nabbed
According to police officials, Hardesh alias Sonu was not operating in isolation but was a pivotal figure within a larger criminal syndicate. He served as a close aide and trusted associate of the notorious arms smuggler Saleem, who is infamously referred to as Pistol in criminal circles. Sonu's primary role involved arranging and managing the financial aspects of weapon transactions, ensuring that funds flowed seamlessly to facilitate these illegal activities.
Facilitating Criminal Escape Through Forged Documents
Beyond his involvement in arms funding, Sonu is accused of running an elaborate fake passport operation. This racket was specifically designed to help criminals, including his associate Saleem, evade law enforcement agencies by providing them with forged travel documents. These counterfeit passports enabled individuals to cross borders undetected, complicating police investigations and international manhunts.
Police investigations have revealed that Sonu played an active role in assisting Saleem during an attempted escape, highlighting his deep involvement in the criminal network's evasion strategies. This assistance underscores the collaborative nature of their operations, where each member had specialized roles to ensure the syndicate's survival and profitability.
Connection to North India's Top Arms Supplier
The arrest of Sonu is directly linked to the broader case involving Saleem alias Pistol, who is recognized as one of north India's most prominent arms suppliers. Saleem's criminal activities came to a halt when he was apprehended in Nepal last August, following a coordinated international effort. His capture was a major blow to the arms trafficking network that had been supplying weapons across regional borders.
Smuggling Route Uncovered: Pakistan to India via Nepal
Delhi Police officials have disclosed alarming details about the smuggling methods employed by this network. Weapons were clandestinely transported by concealing them within the cavities of transformers, which were then shipped from Pakistan to Nepal. From Nepal, these consignments were further smuggled into India, exploiting porous borders and logistical loopholes.
This modus operandi allowed the syndicate to operate under the radar for an extended period, moving lethal weaponry across international boundaries with relative impunity. The use of transformer cavities as hiding spots demonstrates the network's ingenuity in evading customs and security checks, posing significant challenges for law enforcement agencies.
Ongoing Investigations and Legal Proceedings
The arrest of Hardesh alias Sonu marks a critical step in dismantling this dangerous network. Delhi Police is continuing its investigations to uncover more accomplices and trace the full extent of the illegal operations. Authorities are focusing on following the money trail to identify other financiers and disrupt the financial infrastructure supporting such crimes.
Legal proceedings against Sonu are underway, with charges expected to include funding terrorism-related activities, forgery of official documents, and conspiracy to commit crimes. The case highlights the persistent efforts of Indian law enforcement to combat transnational crime syndicates that threaten national security and public safety.
