SRINAGAR: Following the Kathua shootout, wherein a Sub-Inspector and a gangster were killed, Jammu and Kashmir Police have compiled a roster of over 100 active gangsters and notorious individuals who have been involved in criminal activities over the past 15 years across various districts.
The recent Kathua incident has prompted heightened vigilance among law enforcement, particularly against hardened criminals. In Jammu district, 48 active history-sheeters have been identified, with 38 in Kathua and 30 in Samba districts.
A comprehensive 17-point strategy is underway to take action against these identified criminals, with some already apprehended. Their associates are also under surveillance.
It has been disclosed that these gangsters receive weapons from neighbouring Punjab, with illegal arms smuggled through drones from Pakistan. Notably, the pistol used in the Kathua shootout was traced back to China and was smuggled from Punjab by the perpetrators.
There has been a reported increase in gang-related conflicts in Jammu in recent years, with incarcerated gang members allegedly orchestrating crimes from within jails with the aid of their associates.
While gang wars were prevalent two decades ago, sustained police operations and arrests have quelled the trend in Jammu.
