In a significant breakthrough, the Amritsar Police Commissionerate claims to have dismantled a cross-border arms smuggling module with alleged links to Pakistan. The operation led to the arrest of two individuals and the recovery of seven sophisticated pistols, as disclosed by officials on Monday.
Details of the Seizure and Arrests
The police successfully seized a cache of illegal firearms, which included three PX5 pistols and four .30-bore pistols. The two men taken into custody have been identified as Balwinder Singh (32), a resident of Bhindi Nain village, and Jugraj Singh alias Jagga (29), from Mulla Behram village. Both villages are situated within the Amritsar district.
Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar revealed that Jugraj Singh has an extensive criminal background. He is already facing serious charges in multiple cases, including those related to murder, gun crime, and drug peddling.
Modus Operandi and Cross-Border Links
Initial investigations point to a direct line of command from handlers based in Pakistan. According to the police, these overseas operatives allegedly used the encrypted messaging platform WhatsApp to communicate with the arrested duo. The handlers are said to have provided precise instructions, which included designating pickup locations and mapping out delivery routes for circulating the illegal weapons within India.
The geographical location of the accused played a key role in their activities. Both men lived in close proximity to the international border, which made it easier for them to participate in the smuggling network. They were reportedly active in the Amritsar rural sector, facilitating the movement and distribution of the smuggled arms.
How the Police Operation Unfolded
The arrests were the result of a targeted police operation in the cantonment area. A special team laid a trap and intercepted Balwinder Singh. From him, the police claimed to have confiscated five illegal pistols.
Following his detention, Balwinder Singh provided information that led the police to his associate. Acting on this disclosure, the team conducted a raid and apprehended Jugraj Singh 'Jagga'. From Jagga, the police reportedly recovered two .30-bore pistols, completing the seizure.
This bust highlights the ongoing challenges of cross-border weapon smuggling and the sophisticated use of digital communication by networks aiming to destabilize regional security. The Amritsar police have stated that further investigations are underway to uncover the full extent of this module.
