PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The rising number of illegal arms recoveries in Uttarakhand has raised concerns among law enforcement agencies, with recent investigations indicating the presence of an expanding weapons supply network in the state. A major breakthrough came during the probe into the Sohel murder case in Bhuddi village of Dehradun. Police arrested Farhan, a wanted accused carrying a reward of Rs 15,000, who allegedly supplied the pistol used in the murder. Two other accused were also arrested. A pistol, two country-made firearms and several live cartridges were recovered from their possession.
Police records show that more than 50 illegal firearms have been seized from different districts of Uttarakhand over the past two months. Investigations have revealed that many of these weapons are being smuggled into the state from Uttar Pradesh districts, including Shahjahanpur, Bareilly and Kanpur.
These illegal firearms are increasingly being used in serious crimes and have also become a symbol of influence among criminals.
The senior superintendent of police, Special Task Force (STF), Ajai Singh said that they have uncovered an organised network involved in obtaining and trading firearms through forged arms licences. Singh said that the racket had been operating for years and generated assets worth crores of rupees. The investigation has now expanded to Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab.
Singh said that illegal weapons are reaching Uttarakhand through two routes, direct smuggling of unlicensed firearms and misuse of forged arms licences to procure legal weapons for unlawful purposes.
The circle officer (Sadar), Ankit Bhandari said that the three accused, including Farhan, have been arrested in connection with the Bhuddi village murder case. He said that the interrogation has yielded important clues about the arms supply chain and efforts are underway to identify other individuals linked to the network.
Singh said that investigators have exposed an organised gang involved in the illegal purchase and sale of firearms through fake arms licences. He added that every link in the network is being investigated and action will be taken against all those involved.
