Chandigarh police have apprehended two individuals during separate anti-crime patrols, leading to the recovery of a Chinese-manufactured pistol and a combat knife. The arrests were made in the early hours of the day as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal weapons possession in the city.
First Arrest in Sector 8
In the first incident, tactical officers patrolling Sector 8 intercepted a suspicious individual, later identified as Jatin Kumar Chauhan, aged 25. Chauhan attempted to evade a checkpoint set up around midnight, prompting the officers to give chase. Upon searching him, police discovered an unlicensed Norinco CAC-30 pistol loaded with five live rounds. The weapon, of Chinese origin, is known for its use in criminal activities. Chauhan was immediately taken into custody and booked under relevant sections of the Arms Act.
Second Arrest in Sector 29
In a separate operation, personnel from the Industrial Area police station detained Rahul, also known as 'Chamunda', aged 33. Rahul is a habitual offender with a criminal record comprising seven prior convictions for robbery and assault. He was caught red-handed with a concealed combat knife in Sector 29. The knife, designed for close combat, was hidden on his person. Police acted on a tip-off and conducted a targeted patrol in the area. Rahul now faces prosecution under the Arms Act, with authorities likely to seek strict punishment given his history.
Legal Proceedings
Both suspects have been booked under the Arms Act, which regulates the possession and carrying of weapons. The police have emphasized that such patrols will continue to ensure public safety and deter the illegal arms trade. The recovered pistol will be sent for forensic analysis to check if it has been used in any past crimes. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the weapons.
The arrests highlight the effectiveness of proactive policing in Chandigarh, which has seen a recent uptick in weapon seizures. Citizens are urged to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.
