2 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Jan 2, 2025 02:51 AM IST
The police identified the accused as Aviral Sharma, 35, Rajesh Choube, 46, and Jitender Singh, 42, adding that five semi-automatic pistols, 275 live cartridges, mobile phones, and SIM cards were seized from their possession. (Representational image)
A techie, who worked at a multinational firm in Noida, was among three people arrested recently in an interstate illegal arms supply case, officials at the Special Cell of Delhi Police said on Wednesday.
Five semi-automatic pistols, 275 live cartridges, mobile phones, and SIM cards were recovered from the three accused identified as Aviral Sharma (35), Rajesh Choube (46), and Jitender Singh (42).
Amit Kaushik, Deputy Commissioner Of Police (Special Cell), said that Sharma, who worked with an MNC in Noida, was found to be the key source of supply of the live cartridges. “He procured ammunition from various local suppliers in Madhya Pradesh, and supplied it to his accomplices, including Choube and Singh,” he said.
The operation led by inspectors Vivekanand Pathak and Kuldeep Singh, under the supervision of ACP Rahul Kumar Singh, began on November 28, when Choube, a native of Narmadapuram in MP, was arrested following a tip-off near the Sector-18 Metro Station in Rohini while he was delivering a consignment of five semi-automatic pistols and 200 live cartridges.
“During the interrogation, Choube revealed his connection to a local supplier of MP for illegal arms while naming Aviral Sharma of Agra as his illegal ammunition supplier. He admitted to further supplying the arms and ammunition to various individuals in Delhi and UP,” the DCP said.
Based on Choube’s statements, police raided Sharma’s hideout in Agra on November 30, and arrested him with 50 live cartridges in his possession, informed the officer. “During the questioning, he disclosed that he also supplied the ammunitions to another man who he identified as Jitender Singh of Dholpur in Rajasthan.”
On December 2, Singh, a farmer, was arrested from Rajasthan, and police recovered 25 live cartridges from him.
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“Singh was arrested earlier by the Special Cell in 2019 for a similar Arms Act case. He has been booked under dacoity, robbery, attempt to murder, riots, and extortion, among other charges. Meanwhile, Choube has been involved in the arms trade since 2013. He had previously been implicated in multiple criminal cases, including violations of the Arms Act in Jabalpur and Betul (MP),” the DCP said.
DCP Kaushik said further investigation was underway to find the supplier of Sharma and other associates of the network.
Himanshu Harsh is a Correspondent with The Indian Express, currently leading on-the-ground coverage in Bihar. With a reporting career rooted in the complexities of the National Capital Region (NCR), Himanshu specializes in the critical intersection of law, crime, and civic governance.
Professional Expertise & Credentials
An alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi, Himanshu brings a rigorous academic foundation to his investigative work. His expertise is characterized by a "ground-up" reporting style, most notably demonstrated during his extensive coverage of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where he analyzed shifting political landscapes and grassroots sentiment.
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Himanshu’s portfolio reflects versatility, allowing him to navigate diverse industries and social issues:
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Automotive Industry: A technical background in reporting on India’s evolving transport and automotive sectors.
Social Fabric & Human Interest: Beyond hard news, he is known for exploring the changing social dynamics of India’s urban and rural heartlands, bringing a human-centric lens to systemic issues.
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Outside the newsroom, Himanshu’s deep engagement with technology and gaming informs his understanding of digital trends and the modern information economy. A trained DJ with a passion for music, his diverse personal interests contribute to a well-rounded perspective that resonates across both traditional and digital media platforms. ... Read More
