SRINAGAR: Security forces have recovered two pistols, magazines and 13 live rounds of ammunition in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district following a vehicle checking operation that led to the arrest of a man, police said on Tuesday.
According to a police statement, a joint mobile vehicle checking point was established by Baramulla Police and the Army’s 52 Rashtriya Rifles at Chandsuma, Kanispora, near the FCI Godown on June 7. During the operation, a white Maruti Brezza travelling from Srinagar to Baramulla was stopped for inspection.
A detailed search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a Turkish-made CANIK TP9SF METE pistol (9×19 mm) from a bag carried by a co-passenger. The individual was unable to produce any valid licence or legal authorisation for possessing the weapon.
The accused was identified as Wakeel Ahmed Theekri, son of Noor-ud-Din Theekri and a resident of Kamalkot in Uri. Police registered FIR No. 70/2026 under Sections 7 and 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Baramulla and seized the weapon.
Police said preliminary investigations indicated that the vehicle driver had merely offered a lift to the accused and claimed to have no knowledge of the firearm.
Acting on information provided by the arrested man, police conducted a search operation on June 8 at Kalsi Hardu in Kamalkot, Uri, in the presence of an Executive Magistrate, the local Lambardar and Chowkidar.
During the search, security forces recovered and seized a Chinese-made pistol, two magazines and 13 live rounds of ammunition.
Police said the latest recovery suggests the possibility of a wider illegal arms possession network. Investigations are continuing to determine the source of the weapons and ammunition and to identify any other individuals linked to the case.
