Gorakhpur Police Bust Arms Network, Probe Bishnoi Gang Links
Gorakhpur police arrest two suspects in an illegal arms trafficking bust, investigating potential connections to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
In a major breakthrough against organized crime, the Gorakhpur police have dismantled an interstate illegal arms trafficking network. Following a targeted operation by the Khorabar police station, authorities apprehended two adult suspects and took one juvenile into custody, uncovering a web of illegal weapons and potential international gang connections.
The Arrest and Seized Contraband
Acting on credible intelligence, law enforcement officers intercepted the suspects and seized a significant cache of illegal weaponry. The operation resulted in the arrest of Afzal Khan (19), a resident of Dibiya, and Mohammad Shami (20), a resident of Divyanagar Ranidih, both from the Cantt police station area. A juvenile was also detained during the process.
The police recovered the following items from the suspects:
- One .315 bore country-made pistol
- One .32 bore illegal pistol equipped with a magazine
- One 7.65 bore live cartridge
- A Swift Dzire vehicle (Registration No. UP 53 BF 2735) used in the trafficking activities
Connection to High-Profile Murder and Bishnoi Gang
The investigation has taken a chilling turn as preliminary findings suggest these weapons were not just for local crime. Authorities believe that firearms sourced through this specific network were utilized approximately six months ago in the murder of former councilor Rajkumar Chauhan.
Adding to the gravity of the case, investigators are currently probing reports that this trafficking ring may have operational links to the notorious international Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The police are working to determine if the gang is using this local network to facilitate the movement of weapons across state lines.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Action
A formal case has been registered at the Khorabar police station. The suspects face charges under Sections 55 and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 9/25(1)(A) of the Arms Act.
According to Arun Kumar S, CO Cantt, the police are now focused on tracing the entire supply chain. The goal is to identify the original sources of these illegal weapons and, crucially, the recipients who were intended to use them for criminal activities. This operation follows a similar crackdown on September 15, where the UP STF's Gorakhpur unit arrested five other traffickers belonging to the same network, signaling an intensified campaign against illegal arms suppliers in the region.