Amritsar: Amritsar Rural Police has dismantled a major cross-border illegal arms and explosives smuggling network by arresting three individuals, including a juvenile, as part of the statewide campaign to eliminate organized crime. The targeted operation led to the recovery of a significant weapon cache, including a hand grenade, an AK-47 rifle, and two other sophisticated firearms. Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav announced the major breakthrough on Tuesday, highlighting the security forces’ intensified efforts to disrupt networks smuggling contraband into the state.
The adults arrested during the security operation have been identified as Aakashbir Singh, also known as Kaashi, from Bhaini Rajputtan, and Joban Singh, a resident of Balagan in Amritsar. Alongside the high-calibre AK-47 assault rifle, security personnel seized one modified M4-type automatic weapon and a specially modified semi-automatic firearm, both chambered in .30-bore, along with five ammunition magazines and a live hand grenade. DGP Gaurav Yadav stated that a comprehensive investigation is currently underway to trace the exact procurement sources, establish the intended use of the dangerous weapons, and unmask the broader criminal network operating behind the suspects.
Providing details on the raid, Senior Superintendent of Police Amritsar Rural Kanwalpreet Singh Chahal explained that the Gharinda police station teams acted swiftly on precise intelligence inputs. The intelligence indicated that the suspects were actively procuring advanced weaponry, ammunition, and explosives dropped by drones flying across the international border. Police units immediately executed a targeted intercept near the Attari border area, catching the three suspects and seizing the entire weapon supply. The police have registered a formal criminal case under various sections of the Arms Act and the Explosive Substances Act at the Gharinda police station, with officials expecting further arrests and weapon recoveries as interrogation continues.
