Punjab Police Arrest Two Gangsters, Foil Planned Killing; Foreign Links Under Probe

Punjab Police have arrested two alleged gang associates in Nawanshahr and seized two sophisticated .30 calibre pistols and ammunition, foiling a suspected plan to kill a rival gang member during a court appearance in SBS Nagar.

Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on Thursday that the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), working jointly with Counter Intelligence and in coordination with SBS Nagar Police, carried out the operation.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused were allegedly in contact with foreign-based handlers and had been assigned to eliminate a rival gang member when he appeared in court in SBS Nagar.

Accused Linked to Ludhiana Sarpanch Murder

Police said the two accused had also disclosed their alleged involvement in the murder of a sarpanch in Ludhiana on October 3. Investigators suspect the killing was part of a contract operation orchestrated by foreign-based handlers.

"Further investigation is underway to establish the alleged network's wider criminal connections and identify other links," the DGP said.

Amritsar Police Bust Arms and Drug Smuggling Network

The arrests came a day after Amritsar Rural Police busted an alleged network involved in drug trafficking, illegal arms and explosives smuggling. Seven people, including three juveniles, were arrested in two separate operations.

The police recovered a hand grenade, two .30 bore pistols, 29 cartridges and 3.4 kg of heroin.

Those arrested in the first operation were identified as Ajay, 28, and Robin Masih, alias Noni, 22. The second operation led to the arrest of Gurlal Singh, 20, Rashpal Singh, 18, and three 17-year-old juveniles.

DGP Yadav said preliminary investigations indicated that the accused were allegedly in contact with foreign-based smugglers and were transporting illegal weapons for distribution among criminal elements.

Heroin and Pistol Recovered During Checkpoint Operation

Inspector General of Police (Border Range) Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said Amritsar Rural Police had received intelligence that Ajay was procuring heroin delivered by drones and illegal firearms from across the border for onward supply on the directions of foreign-based gangsters.

A search of the bag carried by Ajay, who was riding pillion, led to the recovery of nearly 3.4 kg of heroin, one .30 bore pistol and 19 rounds of ammunition.