Beretta pistol seized; one accused carried ₹10,000 Rajasthan Police reward
Chandigarh/Ferozepur: In a major breakthrough in the murder of a Ferozepur shopkeeper, Punjab Police’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), in coordination with Ferozepur Police and Jammu & Kashmir Police, has arrested two Rajasthan-based shooters allegedly involved in the killing of businessman Gurcharan Singh Gaba.
The accused, identified as Vishnu Kumar of Bharatpur and Rahul Mahawar of Kota, were apprehended from Jammu & Kashmir following a multi-state operation. Police recovered a .30 bore Beretta pistol along with 10 live cartridges from their possession.
According to investigators, the duo allegedly carried out the June 1 shooting at Makhu in Ferozepur, where Gaba, owner of Gaba General Store, was killed after assailants arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire.
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said preliminary investigations revealed that Vishnu Kumar has a criminal history involving extortion, robbery, dacoity, theft and Arms Act violations. He was also carrying a ₹10,000 reward announced by Rajasthan Police.
Additional Director General of Police (AGTF) Promod Ban said a special operation, codenamed “Hill Trap,” was launched after the murder. Intelligence gathered during extensive raids in Rajasthan helped police trace the suspects to Jammu & Kashmir.
The accused were intercepted at a checkpoint near Patnitop-Kud Road in J&K. Police said the suspects attempted to flee but were successfully overpowered and arrested.
Senior Superintendent of Police Bhupinder Singh Sidhu said investigators are now probing the larger conspiracy behind the murder, including individuals who may have planned, financed or facilitated the attack.
A case has already been registered at Makhu Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act. Further investigations are underway.
