In a major action against organised crime, the Operation Cell of Chandigarh Police has busted an inter-state illegal arms supply network connected to the notorious Lucky Patial-Bambhia gang. Eight accused have been apprehended, and a large cache of illegal weapons and ammunition has been recovered during the operation.
Based on specific information, police teams working under senior officers carried out coordinated raids across the tri-city region. The operations targeted persons involved in procuring and supplying illegal firearms from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The crackdown was conducted under the supervision of senior Chandigarh Police officials, with the Operation Cell leading the investigation.
The operation initially led to the arrest of Rahul alias Rally and Monu alias Kandu, both residents of Manimajra, on April 14. Police seized four weapons from Rahul, including three semi-automatic pistols and one country-made firearm, along with live cartridges. Monu was found carrying four illegal weapons and three cartridges.
Probe revealed that the duo had been supplying arms to criminal gangs involved in serious crimes like murder, robbery, and extortion across Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana.
During questioning, both accused revealed their connections with associates linked to the Lucky Patial-Bambhia gang. Based on their inputs, police arrested another accomplice, Govind alias Gaurav, from whom one pistol and a live cartridge were recovered. SP Operations said the accused used these weapons to threaten residents and establish dominance in different local areas.
Further probe exposed a wider network of arms suppliers and operatives. In separate operations, police arrested Aman alias Batak and Sanju alias Kancha, both found carrying country-made pistols along with live ammunition.
Another accused, Mukesh alias Gullu, sustained a bullet injury during an encounter after allegedly firing at a police team near Sector 25. He was later shifted to Government Multi-Speciality Hospital, Sector 16, and a .32 bore pistol with cartridges was seized from him.
In another late-night operation, two more accused—Gurdeep Singh and Monu Jaiswal—were arrested while carrying illegal firearms and ammunition.
Police officials said the accused were part of a well-organised interstate module that sourced illegal arms through secret channels and supplied them to gangsters and criminal elements across the region. A total of 14 pistols and 15 live cartridges were recovered, dealing a major blow to organised crime in the tri-city area.
Several arrested persons have previous criminal records, including cases under the Arms Act and involvement in violent offences. Police said further investigation is underway to trace more links and dismantle the larger network.
The Chandigarh Police reiterated its commitment to controlling the circulation of illegal arms and maintaining public safety through sustained intelligence-based operations.
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