Module linked to Armenia-based gangster busted, three arrested

The State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar, in a joint operation with the Counter Intelligence, Pathankot, has busted a gangster module and arrested three operatives linked to Armenia-based wanted gangster Raja Haruwal.

The police recovered two .30 bore star-mark pistols, two magazines and 15 live cartridges from their possession on Thursday. The arrested individuals were identified as Yusuf Masih, alias MP, a resident of Dharamkot Bagga (Batala), Samuel Masih, alias Ankit, alias Anki, a resident of Pinda Rori (Batala), and Sahibjeet Singh, alias Sabhi, a resident of Haruwal (Batala). The police also impounded a Maruti Swift car allegedly used for criminal activities.

Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said preliminary investigation suggests that the trio was acting on the directions of gangster Raja Haruwal, who had arranged the delivery of the seized weapons. The module was reportedly involved in the exchange of weapons and money and was conducting reconnaissance of potential targets for extortion.

He said further investigation was underway to trace backward and forward linkages and dismantle the entire network.

Sukhwinder Singh Mann, AIG, SSOC, Amritsar, said the arrests were made following specific intelligence, with police teams recovering the weapons from the accused in the Batala area. He said all three accused had criminal records, with cases registered against them in Batala, Gurdaspur and Amritsar related to kidnapping, attempt to murder and possession of illegal weapons. A case under Section 25 of the Arms Act and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita was registered at the SSOC police station, Amritsar, against the accused in this connection, he said.