Uttarakhand STF and Dehradun Police Nab Two Gangsters, Confiscate Illegal Weapons
A coordinated operation by the Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) and Dehradun Police led to the arrest of two active members of the notorious Sunil Rathi gang, along with the seizure of illegal firearms, during a routine checking drive in the Rajpur area. Officials confirmed the arrests on Friday, highlighting a significant breakthrough in the state's crackdown on organized crime.
Interception and Seizure of Illegal Arms
The accused individuals, identified as Bhanu Chaudhary from Saharanpur and Paras from Muzaffarnagar, both hailing from Uttar Pradesh, were intercepted on February 26 while traveling in an SUV. During the search, police recovered two illegal .32 bore pistols and seven live cartridges from their possession, underscoring the serious threat posed by such weapons in criminal activities.
FIR and Legal Charges Filed
An FIR has been registered at the Rajpur police station under section 111(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 3/25 of the Arms Act. These charges reflect the gravity of the offenses, with authorities emphasizing the need for stringent legal action against those involved in arms trafficking and gang-related violence.
Background and Criminal Links of the Accused
Investigations revealed that Paras had previously served as a shooter for the Mukhtar Ansari gang and the Sanjeev Jeeva gang, transitioning to the Sunil Rathi gang following their deaths. Acting on directives from the jailed gangster Sunil Rathi, the duo allegedly meddled in disputed high-value land deals across Dehradun and Haridwar, extorting money from local businessmen. Fear of retaliation from the gangster reportedly prevented victims from filing complaints, allowing the criminal activities to persist unchecked.
Potential for Major Crimes and Ongoing Investigations
A senior police officer warned that the accused could have orchestrated a major crime in Dehradun, given their access to illegal arms and criminal networks. Mobile phone analysis indicated that Paras maintained regular contact with Sunil Rathi and frequently visited him in jail, accompanied by co-accused Bhanu. During interrogation, police also uncovered alleged connections with a Haridwar-based disputed property dealer, who was previously jailed in a murder case, suggesting deeper criminal ties.
Criminal History and Statewide Crackdown
Paras has a extensive criminal record, with multiple cases including murder, attempt to murder, extortion, and Arms Act offenses registered in Muzaffarnagar and Dehradun. The arrests are part of an intensified statewide effort to curb criminal activities, with police affirming that further investigation is underway to dismantle the gang's operations and bring all involved to justice.
