Interstate illegal firearms syndicate busted, three arrested: Delhi Police

The Delhi Police on Monday said that it has dismantled an interstate gang of firearms suppliers operating across Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh with the arrest of three individuals.

Authorities recovered five semi-automatic pistols, six country-made pistols, and 28 live cartridges from the accused.

The investigation began on December 15 last year when police received a tip about Kuldeep, a known criminal, planning a robbery in Delhi’s Burari area. Kuldeep was arrested, and a semi-automatic pistol was seized from him, according to a police official.

“Kuldeep was previously involved in the 2023 Pragati Maidan tunnel robbery. After being released on bail in that case, he reconnected with Pradeep, a co-accused, who introduced him to arms dealer Praveen. Kuldeep confessed to purchasing illegal firearms from Praveen,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Raja Banthia.

Following Kuldeep’s arrest, police tracked Praveen’s movements in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, deploying teams to Meerut and Bagpat. On January 14, Praveen was arrested in Rohtak, Haryana, the DCP said.

Praveen’s interrogation led to the recovery of two semi-automatic pistols, six country-made pistols, and 22 live cartridges from Meerut. He admitted to supplying weapons for over 20 years, including to those involved in the Pragati Maidan tunnel robbery.

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Further questioning revealed the involvement of Julfiqar alias Hazi Guddu, a 52-year-old arms supplier from Meerut. On January 16, police arrested Julfiqar and seized two semi-automatic pistols and six cartridges from his residence.

Police stated that Julfiqar had previously been linked to an illegal firearms factory in Muradnagar in 2021.

(With inputs from PTI)