Guns sold on WhatsApp, Instagram & Facebook in UP, 7 held

AGRA:

UP police

has busted a gang quite audaciously involved in selling arms online — via Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp — and apprehended seven people, including two buyers. The gang was arrested while they were delivering a revolver in Muzaffarnagar on Tuesday. They used to sell ‘katta’ (country-made pistols) for Rs 4,000-5,000 while an imported revolver was available for Rs 40,000-50,000, police said, adding weapons were delivered at desired locations after payments were made.
Five country-made guns, three imported pistols, around two dozen bullets, a bike and a car were seized from the possession of the accused.
Muzaffarnagar SP (city) Satyanarayan Prajapat said, “This arrest marks a crucial step in our crackdown on illicit digital weapon networks in the state. Preliminary probe suggests they have links with other gangs in adjoining districts. They used online platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp to attract buyers. After striking a deal online, they would receive payment via bank accounts before delivering the ‘package’.”
Prajapat added, “After receiving a tiff-off, circle officer (city) Viyom Bindal formed a team and laid a trap on Tuesday. When the suspects arrived to deliver the consignment to two buyers, they all were all nabbed.”