Amritsar: As part of the ongoing campaign against gangsters and organized crime in Punjab, the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) has conducted a major operation in collaboration with the Tarn Taran police. During the joint operation, police arrested five key members of a criminal network. Eleven illegal pistols and 191 live cartridges were recovered from the accused. This action follows Afridi’s deportation from Ethiopia. Police are linking this arrest to further investigations into the case.
In a major follow-up on Afridi deportion from #Ethiopia, Anti-Gangster Task Force (#AGTF) Punjab, in a joint operation with @TarnTaranPolice, apprehends five key operatives of an organised criminal network and recovers 11 illegal pistols and 191 live cartridges.
Preliminary investigation reveals that the accused were allegedly involved in more than 15 criminal cases, including firing incidents linked to extortion. They were also allegedly involved in cross-border arms smuggling at the behest of foreign-based handlers, who tasked them with carrying out serious criminal activities in Punjab.
Further investigation is underway to establish complete backward and forward linkages, identify other associates and dismantle the wider criminal network.
@PunjabPoliceInd remains committed to dismantling organised criminal networks, curbing illegal arms trafficking and ensuring peace and security across #Punjab.
— DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) November 15, 2026
According to the Punjab Police, preliminary investigations have revealed that the arrested accused are allegedly involved in more than 15 criminal cases, including incidents of extortion. The accused are accused of committing numerous crimes in various parts of the state.
They carried out crimes at the behest of handlers based abroad
The investigation revealed that the accused were acting under the direction of their handlers based abroad. They were planning to carry out serious criminal activities in Punjab. Additionally, the accused were also allegedly involved in illegal arms smuggling across the border. Police are now working to identify the source of arms supply and those involved in their delivery.
Search continues for other individuals involved in the network
Police are now interrogating the arrested accused to piece together the entire criminal network. Investigating agencies are investigating their other associates, handlers based abroad, and the supply chain of illegal weapons.
According to the Punjab Police, the operation will continue to root out organized crime networks in the state, curb illegal arms smuggling, and maintain law and order. Further investigations are underway in the case.