De-addiction centre owner among two held with 7 pistols in Amritsar

Two men, one of whom is the owner of a de‑addiction centre, were taken into custody in Amritsar after police recovered seven pistols from them. The arrest marks a rare instance where a local rehabilitation facility’s proprietor became entangled in a cross‑border arms smuggling operation.

Investigators said the two suspects used social media applications to coordinate with handlers located abroad, who supplied the illicit weapons that later appeared in the hands of local criminal networks. The seized firearms were found during a routine check that uncovered the illegal cache.

The case illustrates how digital platforms have become a conduit for illicit arms trade, allowing smugglers to bridge geographical gaps with minimal physical contact. By leveraging messaging apps, the module linked foreign suppliers with domestic distributors, creating a pipeline that fed weapons to gangs operating in the region.

Amritsar has seen a rise in violent crime linked to firearm availability, prompting police to intensify patrols and intelligence gathering. While the recent seizure does not solve the broader problem, it underscores the need for vigilant monitoring of online channels that may facilitate illegal weapon transfers.

The involvement of a de‑addiction centre owner raises concerns about the potential misuse of rehabilitation institutions for criminal activities. Under Indian law, possession of pistols without proper licensing is punishable, and the case will likely be examined under provisions dealing with illegal arms.

Recent years have shown an uptick in cross‑border arms movements, with authorities noting an increased reliance on digital communication to evade detection. The investigation remains active, with a focus on tracing the digital trails left by the suspects and assessing the extent of the weapon network.

Source: Hindustan Times