Amritsar Commissionerate Police has busted three alleged illegal arms supply networks, arresting eight people and recovering 15 illegal pistols and 15 live cartridges.
The action was carried out as part of the police crackdown on illegal weapons and organised criminal networks in Punjab.
What Did Amritsar Police Recover?
According to the police, 15 illegal pistols and 15 live cartridges were recovered from the arrested accused.
The arrests are linked to three separate alleged arms supply networks operating in Amritsar. Police are now questioning the accused to establish how the weapons were sourced and where they were being supplied.
Were The Accused Linked To Foreign-Based Arms Smugglers?
The preliminary investigation indicates that the accused were allegedly in contact with arms smugglers based abroad.
Police said the suspects allegedly procured illegal weapons through these contacts and supplied them further to criminal elements. Investigators have also found possible links with other people involved in the alleged arms supply network.
The police investigation is continuing to establish the backward and forward linkages of the alleged network
Where Were The FIRs Registered?
Separate FIRs have been registered at three police stations in Amritsar — Cantonment, Islamabad and Chheharta.
The accused are being questioned as investigators work to identify other people allegedly involved in the supply chain and establish the source and intended recipients of the recovered weapons.
What Is Police Investigating Next?
Police are now focusing on the wider network behind the alleged arms supply operation.
Investigators are attempting to identify other associates, trace the source of the weapons and determine how they were allegedly circulated among criminal elements.
Punjab Police said its action against illegal arms trafficking and organised criminal networks will continue as the investigation progresses.