Two inter-state arms smugglers have been arrested by Udham Singh Nagar Police in Uttarakhand for allegedly supplying illegal weapons to a Jammu and Kashmir-based terror associate, officials said on Friday. The arrests were made during a targeted search operation, which has also exposed a suspected wider network involving illegal arms trafficking and terror-linked funding channels.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Ganpati, the accused were identified as Harendar Singh alias Honey, a resident of Sitarganj, and Nikhil Verma alias Ranu, both aged 27. Police said the duo was intercepted in a white Swift car without a number plate during a checking operation in the SIDKUL Phase II area on Wednesday, leading to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons and ammunition.

Officials confirmed that police recovered two rifles, two pistols, one revolver, and 344 cartridges from the vehicle. During interrogation, the accused reportedly revealed that they intended to hide the weapons in the forests of Chorgalia. Authorities suspect the arms were part of an illegal supply chain linked to criminal and terror-related networks operating across state boundaries.

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Preliminary investigation has also pointed to alleged links between the accused and Rehan Mir alias Irfan Mir, an alleged overground worker (OGW) associated with the banned outfit Al Badr. Police said the weapons were supplied to him in 2021. A review of mobile phone records and financial transactions has further indicated suspicious money transfers involving accounts in Jammu and Kashmir.

Officials added that both accused are also wanted in a separate case registered by the Delhi Police Special Cell. Investigators have informed Jammu and Kashmir Police and Delhi Police about the latest developments as they continue to trace the broader network and financial trail behind the alleged smuggling operations.

Authorities further revealed that during questioning, the accused named two individuals, Indrajit Sandhu and Pawan Sandhu, as alleged masterminds of the network. Police said efforts are underway to arrest them, while a case under the Arms Act has been registered and a detailed investigation into the suspected terror-linked arms supply chain is ongoing.

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