Punjab Police bust Amritsar arms network, seizing AK-47 and grenades

Amritsar Rural Police have dismantled an illegal arms and explosives supply network, arresting one suspect and seizing an AK-47 assault rifle, live ammunition, and two hand grenades.

The operation, which targetted a suspected cross-border smuggling link, was confirmed by Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav.

In a statement shared on the social media platform X, the state's top police officer said the recovery also included a magazine for the assault rifle and several rounds of live cartridges.

Foreign smuggling links suspected

According to initial police inquiries, the arrested suspect is believed to be in active contact with smugglers based outside India. Investigators are treating the network as a key conduit for bringing illegal weapons and explosives into Punjab.

While the police have not yet identified the foreign handlers or named the suspect publicly, they say the network was designed to facilitate illicit arms transfers.

The suspect is currently being questioned to trace the origin of the military-grade weapons and locate others involved in the supply chain. Police are working to find out exactly where the shipment was headed and what it was intended to be used for.

Charges registered in Amritsar

A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at the Gharinda police station in the Amritsar rural district. The case has been filed under relevant provisions of both the Arms Act and the Explosive Substances Act.

Local officers say the immediate focus of the investigation is to establish the 'backward and forward linkages' of the seizure. This process involves tracing where the weapons were manufactured and procured, how they bypassed border security, and who was scheduled to receive the consignment.

Punjab Police said they are maintaining a strict vigil along the border areas to disrupt organised criminal networks and halt the flow of illegal arms into the state.

Officers have not ruled out further arrests as the investigation into the smuggling network continues.