15 pistols and 30 live cartridges recovered

Accused used delivery boy uniforms to supply illegal weapons

Patiala, 13 July (H.S.): Patiala Police have busted an interstate arms smuggling gang and arrested four youths. Police recovered 15 pistols and 30 live cartridges from their possession. The accused allegedly used to wear delivery boy uniforms while supplying illegal weapons.

Patiala SSP Varun Sharma said police had received secret information that some people were delivering illegal weapons in different areas by posing as employees of a delivery company. Acting on the tip-off, different police teams launched a joint operation and arrested the four accused.

The arrested accused have been identified as Vishal, a resident of Garhdiwala village; Subhash, a resident of Sheeshgarh in Uttar Pradesh; Jinder, a resident of Talla village in Hoshiarpur district; and Badal, a resident of Bhargav Camp in Jalandhar. Police claimed that Badal was the kingpin of the gang.

The SSP said the accused had earlier worked with a delivery company. Taking advantage of that experience, they got uniforms similar to delivery boys prepared and used them for arms smuggling. Since they were dressed as delivery boys, they managed to avoid detailed checking at police checkpoints.

According to police, the accused joined the illegal trade in the greed of earning quick money. Police are now investigating where the weapons were brought from and to whom they were to be delivered.

SSP Varun Sharma said other members linked to the gang are being identified and will be arrested soon. He also appealed to the youth not to choose the path of crime in the greed of quick money, as it can have serious consequences.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH