Palwal, Hathin in Mewat emerge as illegal arms market

Owing to the growing trigger-friendly culture and proximity to Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, Palwal and Hathin areas of Mewat are emerging as illegal arms market in the region. Country-made pistols smuggled from Alwar in Rajasthan, Aligarh in UP and multiple districts, like Indore in MP, are being sold here. The smugglers are using two-wheelers to transport the guns that are being bought across the NCR by locals.

Smugglers using extensive network of two-wheelers to transport guns

Following a tip-off, the Palwal police, led by SP Varun Singla, launched a massive crackdown between May 16 and May 30, and seized around 40 guns, including ‘desi katta’ and pistols, along with magazines and live cartridges. An extensive two-wheeler transport network was being used to smuggle the guns and deliver them. The police also seized 310 bikes without numbers during nakas set up in the area. Since the profit margin is 50 per cent, it is drawing more and more people to the ‘trade’. According to police investigation, the smugglers are procuring a ‘desi katta’ at around Rs 80,000 and a pistol at 15,000, and selling them for double the prices. “Everybody wants to own a gun here, and it is commonly used in day-to-day fights in Mewat. The country-made guns are the best option for people as it does not require a licence and has no records. We initially caught a few with such guns during regular checking, and their interrogation led us to a smuggling racket. We have not only seized illegal guns and impounded several unregistered two-wheelers but also have got major leads on the illegal arms factories running in other states,” said the SP while speaking to ‘The Tribune’. The Palwal police is in touch with the police from UP, Rajasthan and MP, and according to highly placed sources, will also be launching interstate raids to bust illegal gun factories. “It is not just gangs, but individuals are also buying arms, which is a concern as it increases the chances of their use in crimes like robbery and snatching,” he said. A majority of buyers for these weapons are not organised criminal gangs, but locals from Mewat and Delhi NCR who claim to be purchasing the guns for ‘self-defence’ or private body guards. The arms dealers are operating through WhatsApp groups and are offering doorstep deliveries. Currently, the stock coming from MP villages bordering Maharashtra is selling for the highest price. A dealer from Alwar, who is out on parole, speaking to ‘The Tribune’ said, “We have our factories at villages in the Aravallis. Local gangs and gangsters come directly and buy weapons in bulk at wholesale prices. Palwal and other areas of Mewat, like Hathin, are retail markets, where individual customers purchase the guns. A majority of them say it is for self-defence or to keep in cars or farmhouses.” ‘Factories in villages of Aravallis’ “We have our factories at villages in the Aravallis. Local gangs and gangsters come directly and buy weapons in bulk at wholesale prices. Palwal and other areas of Mewat, like Hathin, are retail markets, where individual customers purchase the guns. A majority of them say it is for self-defence or to keep in cars or farmhouses.” — An arms dealer from Alwar

Haryana Tribune