Dehradun (RNS): 24 MARCH 2026
In a major crackdown on illegal arms trafficking, the Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) has arrested two notorious smugglers and seized a cache of illegal weapons, including pump action guns, pistols, and live cartridges. Preliminary investigation suggests that the gang was actively operating across Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. Acting on directions from the Senior Superintendent of Police (STF), a joint team of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Kumaon unit and Jaspur Police carried out a targeted operation in the Jaspur area based on specific intelligence inputs. During the operation, two accused were apprehended. They have been identified as Shamsher Singh (39), a resident of Hajira village in Jaspur, and Simranjit (37), a resident of Anjaniya Farm in Pulbhatta. According to police officials, Simranjit is a history-sheeter with more than a dozen criminal cases registered against him in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, indicating his deep involvement in organized crime. The police recovered 02 pump action guns, 02 pistols (.32 bore), and 10 live cartridges from the possession of the accused. The vehicle used in transporting the weapons has also been seized.
During interrogation, the accused revealed that the weapons were sourced from Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh and were being brought to Jaspur for illegal sale. Investigators have also received inputs that the accused planned to attach fake licenses to the weapons to make them appear legal before supplying them further. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Arms Act at Jaspur Police Station, and further investigation is underway to trace the wider network and possible interstate links. Officials claim that this operation has effectively dismantled a significant arms smuggling network operating between the two states.
Third Major STF Action in 10 Days
05 notorious criminals arrested
06 illegal country-made pistols recovered
02 pump action guns seized
02 pistols (.32 bore) recovered
31 live cartridges seized
