3 weapon suppliers nabbed in Mohali

The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), in a joint-operation with Mohali police, busted a module being operated by foreign-based handlers Pavitar (USA) and Manjinder (France). They arrested key operative Navjot Singh, alias Jota, and three Rajasthan-based illegal weapon suppliers, said Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

The three Rajasthan-based weapon suppliers have been identified as Mohammad Asif, Bhanu Sisodia and Anil Kumar, all residents of Balotra district. The three accused have a criminal history, while Navjot, alias Jota, has 21 cases of heinous crimes, pertaining to attempt to murder, robbery, snatching, NDPS and Arms Act related offences registered against him.

A consignment containing two pistols, including one sophisticated automatic .32 calibre pistol, along with eight live cartridges was recovered from their possession. The consignment was supposed to be delivered to the accused Navjot, it is believed.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that Navjot was tasked to eliminate a recently bailed out rival gangster and one travel agent by his foreign-based handlers. Further investigations are on to establish backward and forward linkages, said the DGP.

Mohali Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Deepak Pareek said an input was received about members of a Rajasthan-based arms trafficking gang entering Punjab in order to deliver a consignment to their associates in the state.

The joint teams of AGTF Punjab and Mohali police laid a special naka near Focal point at the Dera Bassi-Mubarakpur road and successfully arrested four accused along with the consignment, containing the weapons, as gangster Navjot, alias Jota, had come to receive the consignment.

A case has been registered under Sections 25(6) and 25(7) of the Arms Act at Dera Bassi police station.