5 held for supplying arms to gang

The Fazilka police have arrested five members of a gang that allegedly supplied arms and ammunition to members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang in the border area.

During patrolling on October 15, the police reportedly arrested Manpreet Singh and seized a .32 bore pistol and two magazines from his possession.

Senior Superintendent of Police Varinder Singh Brar said Manpreet later confessed that he and other gang members, including Sandeep Singh of Tiwana Kalan village in Jalalabad subdivision, Avinash, alias Gagan, of Abohar subdivision, Akash of Radha Swami Colony, Fazilka, smuggled arms from Madhya Pradesh.

Manpreet also confessed that he had sold two pistols to Jaspreet Singh of Bathinda for Rs 35,000 each.

On October 18, the police arrested accused Sandeep Singh and seized one pistol and one magazine from him. Akash and Jaspreet were arrested on October 19 and a pistol and 10 cartridges were seized from them. Avinash, alias Gagan, was arrested on October 25.

The SSP said the police party led by Khui Khera police station SHO Manjeet Singh and Sub Inspector Rajpal Singh later found that the suspects used to supply arms to member of the Bishnoi gang.

Akash told the police that he came in contact with Lawrence Bishnoi while being lodged in the Faridkot jail during 2011-12.

After coming out of the jail, Akash, Manpreet, Avinash and others joined hands and supplied arms to Kalu and Bhalu who allegedly owed allegiance to the Bishnoi gang. Efforts are on to arrest Kalu and Bhalu.