Punjab Newsline | Jalandhar
Commissionerate Police Jalandhar has arrested three people, including popular Punjabi YouTuber Manpreet Singh alias Mani Shokar, in connection with the alleged illegal purchase, sale and smuggling of firearms. Police said five country-made/foreign-made pistols and five live cartridges were recovered from the accused.
The action was carried out on the directions of Jalandhar Police Commissioner Satinder Singh, DCP City Aditya S. Warrier said that on September 18, a police team led by Sub-Inspector Narinder Mohan, in-charge of Jandiala Police Post, was conducting vehicle checks at Jandiala Mor when a Scorpio was stopped for checking.
According to police, one of the occupants allegedly attempted to open fire at the police team with a pistol. The SI tried to restrain him by holding his hand, but the accused allegedly fired two rounds, which hit the wall of a nearby roadside eatery. The police team subsequently overpowered both occupants.
The accused was identified as Manpreet Singh alias Mani Shokar, while the Scorpio driver was identified as Dilpreet Singh. Police said an Austria-made Glock 19 pistol and three live cartridges were recovered from the spot.
During interrogation, police claimed to have recovered four more pistols and two additional cartridges, taking the total recovery to five pistols and five cartridges.
The three arrested accused have been identified as Manpreet Singh alias Mani Shokar, a resident of Atti Baja village in Phillaur, Jalandhar; Dilpreet Singh, a resident of Dharam Singh Wala village in Moga district; and Mehr Singh alias Prince, a resident of New Azad Nagar in Ludhiana.
A case was registered on September 19 at Sadar Police Station, Commissionerate Jalandhar, under Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 25/27-54-59 of the Arms Act.
Police are investigating the accused's alleged links with an illegal arms trafficking network. Investigators are also examining possible connections with other social media influencers as part of the probe.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and further arrests may follow based on information obtained during interrogation.
Jalandhar Police Commissioner Satinder Singh said that strict action would be taken against anyone involved in the illegal purchase, sale or supply of firearms.
