Daijiworld Media Network - Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Mar 8: In a major intelligence-led operation, the Punjab Police have dismantled an arms supply module, arresting two individuals—including a 17-year-old juvenile—and seizing five country-made 7.65 mm pistols, said Gaurav Yadav, State Director General of Police (DGP), on Sunday.

The arrested have been identified as Ajay Kumar, a resident of Mehrajwala village in Jalandhar, and a 17-year-old youth. Preliminary investigations suggest that the duo was operating under the guidance of foreign-based handlers located in the Philippines and the UAE.

According to DGP Yadav, the accused procured illegal weapons from Madhya Pradesh and were supplying them to criminal gangs. The pistols were intended for use in firing and extortion activities in the region.

Senior Superintendent of Police (Kapurthala) Gaurav Toora detailed the operation, saying that Ajay Kumar was arrested first, with one pistol recovered from his possession. Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of his 17-year-old accomplice, from whom four more pistols were recovered. The weapons were reportedly purchased from an unidentified person in Madhya Pradesh for Rs 87,000.

Further investigations are underway to map the forward and backward links of the network and fully dismantle the arms supply chain.

This comes shortly after the detention of wanted gangster Amritpal Singh, alias Amrit Dalam, at the Moldova border on Saturday. His detention followed an Interpol Red Notice issued at the request of Punjab Police, in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, CBI, Interpol, and other central agencies.

To streamline extradition of criminals based abroad, Punjab Police have established the Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC), led by Inspector General of Police (Counter Intelligence) Ashish Choudhary, aimed at bringing fugitives back to Punjab to face legal action.