Three men have been arrested in Rajpura after Punjab Police uncovered an alleged interstate weapons supply network and seized nine .32-bore pistols, 10 live cartridges and 16 magazines. The police have claimed that the arrests prevented a conspiracy to murder two people.
The accused have been identified as Jaswinder Singh alias Gora, from Koir Singh Wala village in Bathinda district; Lakhbir Singh alias Laddi, from Pur village in Patiala district; and Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi, a resident of Amir Colony in Rajpura.
A white Hyundai Verna, allegedly used to transport the firearms, was also seized during the operation.
Four pistols allegedly meant for Bambiha gang
Superintendent of Police (Detective) Rajesh Chhibber said four of the nine recovered pistols were intended to be supplied to the Bambiha gang.
Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said preliminary investigations indicated that the weapons had been procured from Madhya Pradesh. Investigators are now trying to identify the suppliers there and establish the identities of those who were supposed to receive the firearms in Punjab.
Joint operation by Rajpura police teams
The arrests and recoveries followed a joint operation conducted by the CIA staff in Rajpura and the Rajpura city police.
All three accused are currently in police remand and are being questioned about the procurement and intended distribution of the weapons. The police are also working to trace other people suspected of being involved in the interstate racket.
The investigation is expected to establish the network's supply links in Madhya Pradesh and its connections with potential recipients in Punjab.