Six ‘Khauf gang' members arrested in Jammu; three pistols, sharp weapons seized

STATE TIMES NEWS JAMMU: Jammu Police has arrested six members of the Khauf Gang within 72 hours of an alleged firing and death-threat incident in Arnia, recovering three pistols, five sharp-edged weapons (tokas) and six live rounds from their possession, police said on Monday. Briefing media persons, Anna Sinha, SP Headquarters, Jammu, said the arrests were part of the police crackdown on organised crime and efforts to dismantle the criminal nexus operating in the region. 'Jammu Police has taken immediate cognisance of the Arnia incident and, within 72 hours, succeeded in apprehending six persons allegedly associated with the Khauf Gang. Three pistols, five tokas and six live rounds have been recovered,' Sinha said. She said Police Station Arnia immediately launched a preliminary enquiry and initiated sustained efforts to identify and apprehend those involved. CCTV footage from the area was meticulously scrutinised and back-tracked at various points along the route allegedly taken by the suspects after the incident. 'Clear snapshots of the suspects were extracted from the CCTV footage and circulated among reliable local sources. Based on credible intelligence, all six accused were rounded up and taken into police custody for questioning,' the SP Headquarters said. An FIR has been registered at Police Station Arnia under relevant provisions of law. Police are conducting further investigation to uncover the backward and forward linkages of the case and establish the wider network, if any, behind the incident. Sinha also issued a strong appeal to parents and youth, cautioning them against getting involved in gangsterism and organised crime. 'I urge parents to ensure that their children stay away from gangsterism and remain focused on education and fitness. Those found indulging in criminal activities will be taken to task,' she said. She emphasised that youth must be nurtured to become responsible and productive members of society rather than being exploited by anti-national elements. Jammu Police reiterated its firm resolve to take stringent action against gangsterism and organised crime and to dismantle criminal networks through sustained investigation and enforcement.