Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, May 26: In a major crackdown, Delhi Police has arrested five illegal arms manufacturers and suppliers from Rajasthan in a three-day operation, recovering a cache of country-made weapons and dismantling a clandestine gun-making unit.
Officials said the arrested individuals were supplying firearms to several gangs, including the notorious Vikas Lagarpuria gang. The operation yielded 10 country-made pistols, a 12-bore rifle, and 17 live cartridges.
The arrests followed the interrogation of Rohit Gahlot, a key Lagarpuria gang member caught earlier with two pistols and three rounds. During questioning, Gahlot revealed he had sourced the weapons from Juber, a resident of the Pahadi area in Deeg, Rajasthan.
A team led by the Crime Branch launched coordinated raids across four villages, targeting hideouts after months of surveillance. Despite facing armed resistance during the raids, police teams managed to apprehend the suspects without any casualties.
Joint commissioner of Police Surender Kumar said the accused have been identified as Harvinder Singh, Sonu Singh, Mubin, Sher Mohmad alias Sheru, and Juber. While Mubin and Sheru were the main manufacturers, the others worked as couriers and suppliers.
Juber, 28, considered the kingpin, is an ironsmith who learned firearm making from his uncle Mubin. He disguised his activities behind an agricultural equipment shop and earned Rs 2,000–3,000 per gun sold.
Mubin, 62, allegedly began making illegal weapons in 2013 and was arrested earlier in 2018. He reportedly sold country-made pistols for Rs 10,000–12,000 and rifles for Rs 25,000–30,000.
Sheru, 42, a kiryana store owner, has a history of arms-related crimes and is believed to have learned weapon crafting in Uttar Pradesh in 2010.
Harvinder Singh, a class 5 dropout from Alwar, and his cousin Sonu Singh, a graduate and former recovery agent, joined the racket due to personal and financial troubles.
Police seized tools and instruments used in manufacturing from a hilltop hideout and continue to investigate the wider supply chain to uncover more links in the illegal arms network.