Five individuals have been apprehended by Fazilka police for their involvement in an arms smuggling operation supplying weapons to the infamous Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The arrests took place between October 15 and 25 as a result of extensive investigations and raids.
The suspects—Manpreet Singh, Sandeep Singh, Avinash alias Gagan, Akash, and Jaspreet Singh—were found with firearms, magazines, and live ammunition.
SSP Varinder Singh Brar revealed that during questioning, Manpreet admitted that he and his associates had been smuggling firearms from Madhya Pradesh. He disclosed that he sold two pistols to Jaspreet Singh from Bathinda for Rs 35,000 each.
On October 18, Sandeep Singh was arrested with a pistol and magazine, followed by Akash and Jaspreet, who were caught on October 19 with a country-made pistol and ten live cartridges. Avinash was taken into custody on October 25.
The SSP stated that Akash had met Lawrence Bishnoi while both were imprisoned in Faridkot around 2011-12. He allegedly provided massages to Bishnoi in jail, became his follower, and even tattooed Bishnoi’s name on his chest. After their release, Akash, Manpreet, Avinash, and others began supplying weapons to Kalu and Bhalu from Abohar, who are reported to have links to the Bishnoi gang.
The police continue to search for Kaka and Bhalu, who are also believed to be associated with the Bishnoi gang and have outstanding criminal charges against them.