Chandigarh, October 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Police have arrested two alleged gang associates linked to a foreign-based criminal network and recovered two .30 calibre pistols and ammunition from their possession, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on Thursday.
The arrests were made by the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) in a joint operation with Counter Intelligence and in coordination with SBS Nagar Police.
According to preliminary investigation, the accused were allegedly in contact with foreign-based handlers and had been assigned to eliminate a rival gang member during his court appearance in SBS Nagar.
“Their timely arrest averted a planned targeted killing,” Yadav said in a post on X.
Police also alleged that the two arrested men disclosed their involvement in the October 3 murder of a sarpanch in Ludhiana. Investigators suspect the killing was part of a contract operation allegedly orchestrated by foreign-based handlers.
“Further investigation is underway to establish their wider criminal network and linkages,” the DGP added.
The development comes a day after Amritsar Rural Police claimed to have busted a network involved in drug trafficking, illegal arms and explosives smuggling. Seven persons, including three juveniles, were arrested in two separate operations.
The police recovered a hand grenade, two .30 bore pistols, 29 cartridges and 3.4 kg of heroin during those operations.
The first operation led to the arrest of Ajay, 28, and Robin Masih alias Noni, 22. In the second, police arrested Gurlal Singh, 20, Rashpal Singh, 18, and three 17-year-old juveniles.
Police said preliminary investigation indicated that the accused were allegedly in contact with foreign-based smugglers and were supplying illegal weapons to criminal elements.
Inspector General of Police (Border Range) Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said a tip-off had indicated that Ajay was procuring drone-dropped heroin and illegal firearms from across the border for onward supply on the directions of foreign-based gangsters.
A special checkpoint was subsequently set up in the Manawala area in coordination with a Central agency. Ajay and Robin Masih were intercepted, leading to the recovery of nearly 3.4 kg of heroin, a .30 bore pistol and 19 rounds from a bag carried by Ajay.
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