The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) dismantled a major arms license racket linked to Uttar Pradesh, arresting seven individuals in Ahmedabad and seizing seven illegal firearms, including three revolvers and four pistols, along with 285 cartridges and forged licenses. The operation also led to the detention of two suspected middlemen, Shyamsinh Thakur and Himmatsinh Rajput, for questioning.

The accused—Mukeshsinh Chauhan, Abhishek Trivedi, Vedprakash Singh, Rajendrasinh Sankhla, Ajay Sengar, Vijay Sengar, and Sholeysinh Sengar—allegedly paid Rs 53.5 lakh to UP-based agent Devkant Pandey to obtain bogus arms licenses from Etah, falsely claiming residency. Investigations revealed they neither lived in Etah nor followed mandatory protocols, such as appearing before the Etah magistrate or signing gun house registers, as confirmed by ATS Deputy Superintendent SL Chaudhary.

The ATS, in coordination with Ahmedabad and Surat Crime Branches, acted on intelligence about fake licenses issued from Etah, uncovering a network that facilitated illegal arms purchases. The accused face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act. Authorities suspect a broader interstate racket, with further arrests and seizures expected as the investigation continues.

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