Illegal Arms Supply Foiled Before Civic Elections; Police Nab Key Suspect from UP

Dr Kamlesh Kali

Panchkula, May 5: In a major crackdown ahead of the Municipal Corporation elections, Panchkula Police has arrested a 21-year-old alleged interstate arms trafficker and seized three country-made pistols along with six live cartridges, officials said on Monday.

The accused, identified as Ajay Sharma alias Tinu, a resident of Deoband in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district, was apprehended by a Crime Branch team from Sector-26 under the supervision of Inspector Dalip Singh. The arrest comes as part of intensified surveillance to prevent illegal weapons from entering the city during the election period.

Addressing a press briefing, DCP (Crime and Traffic) Amarinder Singh said the operation was carried out on May 2 following a tip-off that a युवक was waiting near Bagwala village road in Raipur Rani area to deliver a consignment of arms. Acting swiftly, the police team laid a trap and nabbed the accused. A search of his backpack led to the recovery of three illegal firearms and six live rounds.

A case under the Arms Act has been registered at Raipur Rani police station, and further investigation is underway.

Police said preliminary findings indicate that the seized weapons were part of an interstate smuggling network. Investigators are now probing the intended recipients of the consignment and the larger network behind the supply.

During interrogation, the accused reportedly disclosed the name of another supplier based in Uttar Pradesh. Police teams have been dispatched to trace and arrest other members of the racket.

The accused has been remanded to four days of police custody for sustained questioning.

DCP Amarinder Singh emphasized that strict vigilance is being maintained in view of the elections. “Elections are a celebration of democracy, and any attempt to influence them through violence or illegal arms will not be tolerated. Our teams are closely monitoring anti-social elements,” he said.

He added that the arrest highlights the preparedness of Panchkula Police to ensure a safe and fair electoral process, assuring citizens that comprehensive security arrangements are in place for peaceful voting.