Haryana ATS busts international narco-terror network

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Probe into September 13 club firing uncovers links to handlers based in the US

Panchkula, September 22

The Haryana Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested seven people in connection with a September 13 firing at a club in Panchkula, with the investigation allegedly uncovering an international narco-terror network operated with instructions from handlers based abroad, particularly the US.

ATS Superintendent of Police Varun Singla said at a press conference that the investigation has led to the recovery of an XUV, a Scorpio, a motorcycle, a US-made pistol, a .30-bore pistol, three cash-counting machines, five mobile phones, 12 live rounds and 529 grams of heroin, referred to as chitta.

The firing took place at Alif Laila club in Sector 11 during the early hours of September 13, when five youths allegedly arrived in two vehicles. According to the police, a dispute broke out among them while they were drinking, following which one of them took out a pistol from a vehicle and fired two rounds. A woman was injured in the incident and was taken to the hospital.

The Police arrested the three accused at the spot, while another was arrested from SAS Nagar and three from Ludhiana, Singla said. During the initial arrests, police recovered a cash-counting machine after the accused disclosed it.

The investigation was later transferred to the ATS after questioning and technical analysis revealed links with an international narco-terror network. Police said some handlers were operating from abroad and allegedly provided local operatives with accommodation, vehicles and money to move weapons, narcotics and drug money to the designated locations.

Technical investigation led to the arrest of the alleged shooter on September 15 and another accused, described as an intermediary, from Ludhiana on September 19. During police remand, 529 grams of heroin hidden in a motorcycle at an isolated location was recovered, along with a .30-bore pistol and three live rounds.

Singla said the ATS was examining the network’s supply chain, financial trail, sources of weapons and narcotics, and contacts with foreign-based handlers. Further arrests and recoveries are possible, he added.