New Delhi, July 1 (IANS) The Anti Auto Theft Squad (AATS) of Delhi Police’s East District has arrested a 20-year-old man and recovered a semi-automatic pistol along with two live cartridges from his possession, foiling a possible violent crime, officials said on Wednesday.

According to a Press release issued by the East District Police, the accused has been identified as Lakshya Chawla alias Lucky, a resident of East Vinod Nagar.

Police said a case has been registered under Section 25 of the Arms Act at Pandav Nagar Police Station.

The operation was carried out as part of Delhi Police’s sustained drive against the illegal possession and supply of firearms in the national Capital.

“AATS, East District apprehended one accused involved in possession of illegal arms and ammunition. One semi-automatic pistol and two live cartridges were recovered from his possession,” the Press release said.

The police said the arrest followed a specific Intelligence input received on June 28 regarding a person carrying illegal arms in the East Vinod Nagar area.

Acting on the information, a team of the AATS laid a trap near the DTC Bus Depot in East Vinod Nagar and intercepted the suspect.

“The operation culminated successfully when the suspect was intercepted and apprehended. During his search, one semi-automatic pistol along with two live cartridges was recovered from his possession,” the release stated.

During interrogation, the accused allegedly revealed that he had procured the weapon to settle a personal rivalry.

“The accused disclosed that he had procured the recovered pistol with the intention of taking revenge against his rival over previous enmity and also for his personal safety,” the police said.

Officials added that further investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the firearm and identify any possible criminal links of the accused.

The operation was conducted by a team led by Inspector Anand Singh, In-charge, AATS, East District, under the overall supervision of ACP (Operations) Pawan Kumar. The team included SI Vikram Singh, SI Sandeep Singh, SI Devender Kumar, ASI Rajiv Kumar, ASI Munender, ASI Praveen, ASI Satyavir, ASI Deepak Tyagi, HC Vikrant and HC Ashwani.

Police said the successful operation reflected the force’s continued focus on Intelligence-based policing and preventive action against illegal arms.

“Timely action prevented potential misuse of the illegal weapon and strengthened preventive policing efforts,” the Press release added.

The recovered items include one semi-automatic pistol and two live cartridges. Further investigation is in progress to establish whether the accused had links with any criminal network or had planned any specific offence using the weapon.

–IANS

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