Two Inter-State arms smugglers arrested in Uttarakhand, links to terror network suspected

In a significant crackdown on illegal arms trafficking, police in Uttarakhand’s Udham Singh Nagar district have arrested two suspected inter-state arms dealers allegedly connected to a terror network operating in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Friday.

The accused, identified as Harendar Singh alias Honey and Nikhil Verma alias Ranu, both aged 27 and residents of Sitarganj, are suspected of supplying weapons to an overground worker linked to the terror outfit Al-Badr. According to police, the duo had earlier provided arms to Rehan Mir, also known as Irfan Mir, in 2021.

Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Ganpati stated that the arrests were made during a search operation conducted in SIDKUL Phase II . The suspects were intercepted while travelling in a white Swift car without a number plate. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two rifles, two pistols, one revolver, and 344 cartridges.

During questioning, the accused reportedly revealed plans to conceal the weapons in a forested area in Chorgalia. Further investigation into their mobile phone records and bank accounts uncovered suspicious financial transactions involving multiple accounts in Jammu and Kashmir, including those linked to Rehan.

Police officials also noted that both Harendar Singh and Rehan Mir are wanted in a case registered by the Delhi Police Special Cell. Authorities have shared details of the case with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Delhi Police for further coordination.

The accused have also named two alleged masterminds Indrajit Sandhu and Pawan Sandhu—who are believed to be orchestrating the smuggling operation. Efforts are underway to apprehend them.

A case has been registered under the Arms Act, and investigations are ongoing to dismantle the broader network of illegal arms supply and suspected terror financing.