Punjab Police Bust Major Illegal Arms Racket in Amritsar, Three Arrested
In a significant crackdown, the Punjab Police have dismantled a major illegal arms smuggling network in Amritsar, resulting in the arrest of three individuals and the recovery of six pistols. The operation, based on specific intelligence, has exposed connections to Pakistan-based smugglers through social media platforms, highlighting a serious threat to state security.
Details of the Arrests and Recoveries
The arrested men have been identified as Mangal Singh alias Manga, 30, from Kajikot village in Tarn Taran; Pranav Sharma alias Laddu, 24, from Orchid Valley in Chheharta, Amritsar; and Gaurav Rana, 25, from Guru Nanak Avenue in Amritsar. According to senior police officers, the operation began with the arrest of Mangal Singh, from whom a .30 bore pistol was seized. Based on his disclosures, co-accused Pranav Sharma and Gaurav Rana were subsequently apprehended, leading to the recovery of five additional pistols.
The recovered arsenal includes two China-made .30 bore pistols, one Zigana .30 bore pistol, and three other .30 bore pistols. This haul underscores the scale of the illegal arms trade being facilitated by the accused, who were actively supplying weapons to criminals across Punjab.
Links to Pakistan-Based Smugglers and Criminal History
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav stated that initial investigations reveal the accused were in contact with Pakistan-based smugglers via social media platforms, using these channels to facilitate the smuggling of arms into the state. This cross-border connection raises concerns about the ongoing challenges in curbing illicit weapon trafficking in the region.
Further investigations have uncovered that Pranav Sharma and Gaurav Rana have a criminal history, with prior cases registered against them under the Arms Act. Additionally, they are wanted in a robbery case involving the use of firearms, which is registered at the Ranjit Avenue police station. This background indicates their involvement in multiple illegal activities, exacerbating the threat they posed to public safety.
Legal Actions and Ongoing Probe
An FIR has been registered at the Cantonment police station in Amritsar under relevant provisions of the Arms Act, formalizing the charges against the accused. The police are continuing their probe to uncover further details of the smuggling network, including potential accomplices and the full extent of the arms distribution across Punjab.
This bust is part of broader efforts by the Punjab Police to combat organized crime and illegal arms trade, which have been linked to various criminal activities in the state. The successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing in addressing such threats.
The arrests and recoveries serve as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges in securing borders and preventing the influx of illegal weapons. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help maintain law and order in the region.
