Teen held with illegal weapons in Panchkula

The police’s Crime Branch has arrested a 19-year-old youth with two illegal country-made pistols and one live cartridge. The arrest was made by the Sector-26 Crime Branch team, led by Inspector Dalip Singh, during routine patrolling near Raipur Rani on 11 July.

Acting on a tip-off, the police intercepted the suspect near Navodaya Road, where he was allegedly waiting with the illegal weapons. On being searched, two country-made pistols and a live round were recovered from his pocket. The youth was unable to produce a valid licence for the firearms.

The accused has been identified as Sandeep, also known as Shammi, son of Ranbir Singh, and a resident of village Mauli in Panchkula. A case has been registered under Section 25(1)(a) of the Arms Act at Raipur Rani Police Station. He was presented before the court on Saturday and has been remanded to three days in police custody.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP, Crime) Amit Dahiya said the police will use the remand period to trace the source of the weapons, determine whether the accused was planning a criminal act, or if the firearms were to be sold as part of an illegal arms trade.