The initial incident, which prompted a high-stakes police operation, occurred on February 26. A large consignment of weapons was dropped into Indian territory by a drone from Pakistan's side, close to the international border in the Khajuwala region.
The Drone Drop and Initial Recovery
Upon receiving intelligence, police and security agencies launched an extensive search operation. This led to the recovery of a 'Made in China' pistol and 326 live cartridges. Recognizing the extreme gravity of the incident from a national security perspective, police immediately initiated a specialized investigation. A dedicated team, working under the guidance of Range IG Omprakash Meghwal and Superintendent of Police Mridul Kacchawa, has been relentlessly analyzing technical data, intelligence inputs, and collaborating with other agencies.
Unraveling the Network's Layers
IPS Anushka Kalia, Sadar Circle Officer (CO), confirmed that the investigation first led to the arrest of the main accused, Sonu alias Sukhwinder. Based on his interrogation and the intelligence gathered, police began peeling back the layers of the entire network, leading them to the three additional suspects.
Police rounded up and arrested Karan Singh Bodla (27) from Fazilka, Punjab. Gurkeerat Singh (33), a resident of Abohar from Mohali, and Avtar Singh (28), a resident of Gharsana, Rajasthan, were also apprehended. All three have been produced before the court for further investigation after initial questioning.
Active Members of a Cross-Border Syndicate
Kalia explained that the investigation revealed Karan Singh and Gurkeerat Singh were essentially 'foot soldiers' for the organized cross-border smuggling syndicate operated by Sonu alias Sukhwinder. Their primary role involved safely retrieving, hiding, and then transporting the weapons dropped by Pakistani drones to other members of the network. Avtar Singh was found to be providing local support to this illicit operation.
? Did You Know? Drones offer smugglers a significant advantage by allowing them to bypass traditional border security measures and deliver payloads covertly, often under the cover of darkness.
Authorities suspect this gang has been in contact with cross-border smugglers for a considerable period, actively participating in the trafficking of weapons and other prohibited materials via drones.
Accused with Criminal Records
CO Kalia highlighted that all three arrested individuals possess prior criminal records. Karan Bodla faces multiple cases under the NDPS Act in Fazilka and Firozpur districts of Punjab. Gurkeerat Singh has a history of involvement in drone dropping incidents and was already on the radar of security agencies. Avtar Singh has cases registered against him under the NDPS Act in Jaitsar and the Electricity Act at Mukalawa police station. Their criminal pasts, according to police, confirm their deep involvement in organized crime and smuggling activities.
Police Continue Search for Network's Core
Police are now conducting intensive interrogations of the arrested individuals. The primary objective of the investigation is to identify the operators sending drones from Pakistan, the recipients of the consignments in India, the ultimate buyers of these weapons, and those providing financial support to the network. To achieve this, technical evidence, mobile data, call detail records, and other electronic evidence are being meticulously analyzed.
Police officials have stated that the smuggling of weapons via drones from across the border poses a grave challenge to national security. They assure that strict legal action will be taken against every individual involved in such cases. Bikaner Police, in close coordination with central security agencies, continues its relentless efforts to expose and dismantle the entire network. For more detailed news coverage, visit https://en.mttvindia.com.
