Amritsar Police Uncover Cross-Border Pistol Trafficking Network
In a significant crackdown, the Amritsar rural police have successfully busted a sophisticated cross-border weapon smuggling module. Investigations have revealed that this network had already trafficked approximately 25 high-grade pistols from Pakistan, with the firearms being delivered further into the region.
Additional Arrests Made in Ongoing Investigation
The police have recently apprehended three more accomplices linked to this illicit operation. The individuals, identified as Vanshdeep Singh, Avinash alias Kaka, and Sukhwinder Singh alias Babble, are all residents of Navi Abadi in the Attari area under the jurisdiction of the Gharinda police station. Currently held in police custody, they are scheduled to be presented in court on Thursday following the expiration of their police remand period.
Initial Seizure and Arrests
On March 14, the Gharinda police had already arrested two key suspects: Gursewak Singh alias Suraj alias Gabbar, from Navi Abadi in Attari, and Amarjit Singh alias Rohit, residing on Subhash Road in Chheharta. During that operation, authorities recovered an AK-47 rifle, three Turkey-made Glock pistols, and 36 live cartridges from their possession. With these latest detentions, the total number of arrests in this case has now reached five.
Network Operations and Handler Connections
A police official closely involved with the investigations disclosed that the names of Vanshdeep, Avinash, and Sukhwinder emerged during the interrogation of Gursewak and Amarjit. The trio was actively engaged in retrieving weapon consignments from villages situated along the India-Pakistan border. They subsequently delivered these arms further, acting under the directives of their Pakistan-based handlers, who are believed to be backed by the ISI.
Superintendent of Police (Detective) Aditya Warrier emphasized that mobile phone data analysis has corroborated contact between the three newly arrested accused and the previously detained Gursewak and Amarjit. The group frequently accompanied their accomplices to border areas to collect weapons that had been dropped from across the international boundary.
Communication and Coordination with Foreign Handlers
Preliminary investigations indicate that all five accused maintained communication with their foreign handlers through various social media platforms. They are alleged to have worked in close coordination with Pakistani smugglers to receive consignments of arms and heroin, which were then supplied further within the state of Punjab.
Targeted Delivery and Previous Incidents
According to police reports, the smuggled weapons were intended for delivery in the border district of Gurdaspur. The targets included senior police officials, particularly in the aftermath of the state government and Punjab Police's flagship programme, 'Gangstara Te Vaar'. This development follows a tragic incident in February, where an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and a Home Guard jawan were shot dead at the Dorangla police outpost in Gurdaspur.
Ongoing Efforts to Dismantle the Network
Further investigation is currently underway to identify additional members of this smuggling network and to trace the remaining weapons that were dropped along the border. The police are intensifying their efforts to completely dismantle this cross-border operation and prevent future illicit activities.
