Chandigarh/Tarn Taran, November 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Police have arrested five alleged operatives of the criminal network run by gangster Gurwinder Singh alias Afridi and recovered 11 illegal pistols and 191 live cartridges in a joint operation by the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) and Tarn Taran Police.
The arrests follow Afridi’s deportation from Ethiopia to India on November 8 and his subsequent custodial interrogation, which reportedly helped investigators identify members of his syndicate operating in Punjab.
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said preliminary investigations indicated that the arrested accused were allegedly involved in more than 15 criminal cases, including firing incidents linked to extortion. They were also suspected of involvement in cross-border arms smuggling on the instructions of foreign-based handlers.
The accused have been identified as Ajaypal Singh of Gandiwind in Tarn Taran; Jaswinder Singh alias Munsi of Talwandi Sobha Singh; Karanveer alias Karan of Kale Ke; Ranjit Rana of Bhojoke; and Ranjit Singh alias Rana of Ruknewala in Ferozepur.
The recovered weapons include five 9mm pistols, five .30-bore pistols and one .32-bore pistol, along with 191 live cartridges.
Special DGP AGTF Promod Ban said a specialised investigation was initiated after Afridi was brought back to India to identify the network’s operatives, shooters and logistical supporters.
Acting on disclosures made during his interrogation and subsequent intelligence inputs, AGTF teams worked with Tarn Taran Police to trace individuals allegedly involved in carrying out extortion-related firing incidents and arranging illegal weapons.
Police said the investigation is continuing to establish the network’s backward and forward linkages, identify additional associates and dismantle the wider criminal syndicate.
The operation is part of the Punjab Government’s intensified campaign against organised crime under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
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