Patiala, July 14: An interstate weapons supply network has been dismantled in Rajpura after police captured four suspects delivering illegal firearms disguised as online shopping packages. Law enforcement recovered 15 pistols of .32 bore along with 30 cartridges during the highway interception.
The young suspects allegedly wore corporate delivery uniforms to carry out doorstep drop-offs without raising suspicion. Patiala SSP Varun Sharma stated that the team packed weapons in delivery cartons and old boxes to make them look like genuine parcels.
The police intercepted the suspects at Basantpura near the national highway, cutting off the distribution chain before the cargo could reach its final destination. The apprehended youths, identified as Vishal, Subhash, Jinder, and Badal, had reportedly abandoned their college education to pursue quick financial gains through illegal arms trafficking.
“We are grilling the accused to uncover their modus operandi and possible targets,” Sharma affirmed. Investigators believe the shipment was ordered by associates of incarcerated gangster Sonu Khatri, whose gang is currently facing multiple charges of robbery, attempted murder, and abduction.
The investigation is now focused on tracing the broader logistics of the network, which reportedly purchased cheap firearms in Madhya Pradesh for distribution to gang elements in Punjab. Police personnel led by SP Vaibhav Choudhary and CIA in-charge Pardeep Singh Bajwa are continuing the interrogation to identify previous buyers.
