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In a major crackdown on organised crime, the Operation Cell of Chandigarh Police has busted an interstate illegal arms supply network linked to the notorious Lucky Patial-Bambhia gang, arresting eight accused and seizing a significant cache of weapons and ammunition.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, police teams operating under senior officers launched coordinated operations across the tri-city region, targeting individuals involved in procuring and supplying illegal firearms from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The crackdown was carried out under the direction of senior Chandigarh Police officials, with the Operation Cell playing a key role. The operation first led to the arrest of Rahul alias Rally and Monu alias Kandu, both residents of Manimajra, on April 14. Police recovered four weapons, including three sophisticated semi-automatic pistols and one country-made firearm, along with live cartridges from Rahul. Monu was found in possession of four illegal weapons and three cartridges. Investigations revealed that the duo had been actively supplying arms to criminal gangs involved in serious offences such as murder, robbery, and extortion across Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana. During sustained interrogation, both accused disclosed their links with associates of the Lucky Patial-Bambhia gang. Their inputs led to the arrest of another accomplice, Govind alias Gaurav, from whom one pistol and a live cartridge were recovered. SP Operations said the accused used weapons to intimidate residents and establish dominance in local areas. Further investigations uncovered a wider network of arms suppliers and operatives. In separate operations, the police arrested Aman alias Batak and Sanju alias Kancha, each found carrying a country-made pistol with live ammunition. Another accused, Mukesh alias Gullu, sustained a bullet injury during an encounter after allegedly opening fire on a police team near Sector 25. He was later admitted to Government Multi-Speciality Hospital, Sector 16, and a .32 bore pistol along with cartridges was recovered from him. In another late-night operation, two more accused--Gurdeep Singh and Monu Jaiswal--were apprehended with illegal firearms and ammunition. Police officials stated that the accused were part of a well-organised interstate network that sourced illegal weapons through clandestine channels and distributed them to gangsters and criminal elements across the region. The recovered weapons include 14 pistols and 15 live cartridges, marking a significant blow to organised crime in the tri-city area. Several of the arrested individuals have prior criminal records, including cases under the Arms Act and involvement in violent crimes. Authorities said further investigations are underway to identify additional links and dismantle the broader network. The Chandigarh Police reiterated its commitment to curbing illegal arms circulation and ensuring public safety through sustained intelligence-based operations. (ANI)
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