Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 25 Jun: The Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) has intensified its campaign against fake arms licences and illegal weapons as part of the State Government’s drive towards the vision for ‘Crime-Free Uttarakhand’. Continuing its action on a war footing, the STF has arrested 25 accused persons during the first six months of 2026 and has recovered 40 illegal firearms along with 483 live cartridges from their possession.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), STF, Ajai Singh, a special statewide campaign has been underway since the beginning of the year against organised gangs involved in the possession, procurement and trafficking of illegal weapons. Multiple STF teams have been conducting extensive investigations into the network, examining its various links and operational channels. These sustained efforts have resulted in significant breakthroughs and the identification of several individuals connected with the illegal arms trade.
Singh stated that the organised network dealing in illegal weapons poses a serious threat not only to law and order but also to the safety and security of society and the State. The agency has made it clear that investigations are being carried out with utmost thoroughness, technical expertise and professional precision, and that every aspect of the network is being scrutinised. Officials said the STF is determined to reach the root of the racket and identify all those involved, including suppliers, intermediaries, facilitators and associates.
Ajai Singh said that strict legal action would be taken against every person found involved in the network during the course of the investigation. He emphasised that no accused would be spared and that all those connected with the illegal arms trade would be brought within the ambit of the law.
As part of the ongoing operation, the STF has so far recovered 21 pistols, 10 country-made firearms, five automatic pump-action guns, two rifles, two revolvers and 483 live cartridges. All 25 accused arrested in connection with the cases have been sent to judicial custody.
The STF has attributed the sustained action to the directions and vision of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who has consistently advocated a policy of zero tolerance towards crime under the ‘Crime-Free Uttarakhand’ initiative. Acting under this mandate, the agency has been carrying out targeted operations against illegal arms traffickers and organised criminal groups across the State.
The STF has also appealed to the public to cooperate in the campaign by sharing information about any individual or organised group involved in the possession, sale, purchase or trafficking of illegal firearms. Singh also urged the citizens to immediately inform the STF if they come across any suspicious activity related to fake licences or illegal weapons. He assured that the identity of informants would be kept completely confidential.
