Punjab Police successfully busted an inter-state illegal gunrunning network allegedly backed by handlers based in the USA. Amritsar’s State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) has arrested two individuals, Satnam Singh alias Prince and Manjit Singh, recovering ten .32 bore country-made pistols, 20 magazines, and ammunition from their possession. The arrests were made as part of an intelligence-driven operation aimed at dismantling organized criminal activities in the state.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Sunday revealed that the arrested individuals had been smuggling weapons into Punjab from Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand, under the direction of their US-based handler Sunny Masih alias Gulli. Investigations indicated that Masih, who is wanted for heroin smuggling, orchestrated the weapons trafficking operation. Satnam Singh, primarily involved in drug trafficking, had recruited his relative, Manjit Singh, into the illegal trade of weapon transportation.
DGP Yadav emphasized the ongoing investigation to trace the entire network, including the supply chain of illegal arms and connections to gangsters based in Punjab. The police are determined to unearth the full scope of the operation, including both the backward and forward linkages.
AIG Sukhminder Singh Mann of SSOC Amritsar shared further insights, stating that the module was operating under the leadership of Sunny Masih, who is currently residing in the USA. The SSOC acted swiftly upon receiving a tip-off about the illicit activities and successfully apprehended the duo. During questioning, Satnam Singh confessed that he had previously smuggled weapons from Madhya Pradesh to Punjab and received courier charges for each delivery. He revealed that he was promised a payment of Rs 20,000 for the current consignment.
The arrested Satnam Singh has a criminal history, with several cases under the NDPS Act, and was recently released on bail. A case under various sections of the Arms Act has been registered against the accused at the SSOC Amritsar Police Station.
