The North News
Chandigarh, March 6
Punjab Police’s Counter Intelligence unit in Pathankot has busted an illegal arms smuggling module, arresting two individuals and seizing four pistols along with ammunition, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said on Thursday. The accused, identified as Kanwalpreet Singh alias Kanwar from Buttar Kalan in Batala and Ranjit Singh from Bhaini Bangar in Gurdaspur, were found with a cache including a 9mm Glock pistol, a .30 bore pistol, and two .32 bore pistols, alongside four magazines and 39 cartridges.
DGP Yadav said preliminary investigations revealed Kanwalpreet Singh was in contact with USA-based gangster Pavittar Singh Chaurra, a native of Batala, and acted under his directions. Chaurra is alleged to have arranged the weapon consignment to supply to criminal elements aiming to disrupt peace in the border state.
“Further investigations are underway to trace backward and forward linkages to expose the entire network,” said Yadav. Efforts are also focused on uncovering other potential crimes committed by the accused.
AIG CI Pathankot Sukhminder Singh Mann said that the arrests followed an intelligence-led operation after receiving inputs that operatives of gangster Pavittar Chaurra had retrieved a weapon consignment. The operation took place in the Batala police district. Both suspects have a criminal history. Kanwalpreet Singh was previously arrested in three criminal cases, including attempted murder, trespassing, and assault. After his release from Gurdaspur jail in December 2024, he was involved in a firing incident targeting a homeowner.
Ranjit Singh also has a record, with a case registered under the Arms Act at Ghaniye Ke Bangar police station in Batala.
