Desi arms from UP, Bihar make way into Haryana

Ravinder Saini

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Tribune News Service

Jhajjar, October 11

In an increasing trend, illegal weapons manufactured in Meerut, Muzaffarnagar and Shamli (UP) and Munger (Bihar) are being smuggled into Haryana.

Dangerous trend

• Not just people with criminal background, others are also buying arms either for show-off or for personal security
• A ‘desi katta’ is available for Rs5,000-7,000, while a 9 mm revolver for Rs40,000-50,000
• The matter came to fore during investigation into 128 cases in which 138 revolvers were seized in Jhajjar district

While a ‘desi katta’ is available for anywhere between Rs 5,000 and Rs 7,000, a more sophisticated gun can be procured for Rs 25,000-50,000, said sources. The matter came to the fore during police investigation into 128 cases registered under the Arms Act in Jhajjar district since January this year. At least 135 persons were arrested and 138 revolvers and 335 live cartridges seized in these cases.

It was found that not just people with criminal background, others are also buying these weapons either for show-off or for personal security. Reference of those already in contact with illegal weapon manufactures is necessary to buy a firearm.

Rajesh Duggal, Jhajjar SP, said, “We had launched a campaign against those dealing in illegal weapons or possessing them early this year. A special team was formed in every police station to nab the offenders.”

He said acting on a tip-off, a police team nabbed three accused from Jhajjar on June 18 and seized seven illegal weapons from them. They had bought the weapons from Meerut through a mediator. The accused, involved in 17 cases of heinous crimes, disclosed vital information about the illegal weapon trade, he said.