Youth arrested with illegal firearm in Panchkula

The police apprehended a youth in possession of an illegal firearm during a routine patrol. The action came after a tip-off about a suspicious individual heading towards Bagwala village believed to be carrying illegal arms.

The authorities suspect possible links to a larger arms supply network and are investigating the case from all angles.

Inspector Dalip Singh, in-charge of Crime Branch-26, swiftly responded with his team, cordoned off the area and detained the individual. The suspect has since been identified as 20-year-old Mohammad Kaif, a resident of Baserha in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh.

Upon checking, a country-made musket was recovered from the accused, concealed under his T-shirt, along with a live cartridge. The accused failed to produce any valid licence or documentation for the weapon.

A case has been registered under Section 25(1)(a) of the Arms Act at Raipur Rani police station. The accused was presented before the court and remanded to two days’ police custody. Sub-Inspector Rakesh Kumar is leading the investigation.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP, Crime) Arvind Kamboj said thorough interrogation will be conducted to determine if the accused has a criminal record, and to trace the source and intent behind the weapon’s possession.