Panchkula: History-sheeter nabbed with illegal firearm

The accused, identified as Rakesh, alias Monty, and a native of Jind currently residing in Rajiv Colony, Panchkula, was caught red-handed while roaming in Sector 15 with a country-made pistol and two live cartridges. He was overpowered in a raid by a team led by Inspector Pritam Singh after a secret tip-off.

Police investigations revealed that Monty already faces six to seven criminal cases in Chandigarh involving violent clashes and had earlier been arrested in Odisha with two quintals of cannabis. The police believe he is part of a wider crime and smuggling syndicate.

“We suspect the accused has strong links with an organised network. His custodial interrogation will be crucial in tracing the suppliers and associates involved in the illegal arms trade,” said the DCP (Crime).

Following his arrest, a case under the Arms Act was registered at Sector-14 police station. The accused was produced before a local court Tuesday and remanded in six days of police custody. Investigators will now grill him to determine the source of the firearm, identify his supply chain, and uncover the role of other players in the racket.

“Monty’s criminal record and the scale of his past offences point to a much deeper nexus. We are determined to dismantle it,” a senior official said.