Police bust module linked to foreign smuggler, arrest five

In a major breakthrough against organised crime and cross-border smuggling networks, the Special Cell of Amritsar Rural Police has arrested five associates linked to a UK-based smuggler and recovered a sizeable cache of illegal weapons and live ammunition.

Those arrested were identified as Babaldeep Singh, alias Love, a resident of Pakha Tara Singh in Ajnala; Gurpreet Singh from Bhalla Colony, Chheharta; Karanbir Singh, alias Pistol; Prince from Basarke Bhaini in Ajnala; and Rohit from Ajnala.

During the operation, the police recovered two 9mm pistols, a double-barrel 12-bore rifle, 10 live cartridges of 12-bore and seven live cartridges of 9mm. SP (Detective), Amritsar Rural, Aditya Warrier said the accused were working at the behest of their foreign-based handler and were actively involved in supplying illegal weapons and strengthening the smuggling network. He added that several more associates linked to this module have been identified and raids are underway at different locations to trace them.

DSP (Detective) Gurinderpal Singh said preliminary interrogation of the arrested individuals has yielded important information regarding the supply chain, financial channels and communication methods used by the gang. Police teams are now working on verifying the forward and backward links to fully dismantle the network. A case has been registered at the Ajnala police station under relevant sections and further investigation is in progress.