Gataru Gang Leaders Held in UP, Over Rs 1 Cr Transactions Under Scanner
Samba | , 13: Samba Police have dismantled an inter-state narcotics and illegal arms syndicate operating across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, arresting 10 individuals—including key leaders of the Gataru gang—and uncovering financial transactions exceeding Rs 1 crore, officials said.
The investigation originated on August 22, 2026, when police intercepted a Swift car (JK21J-3391) at AIIMS Naka, Vijaypur, arresting driver Sourab Baloria with 9.08 grams of heroin-like substance and a pistol. Following the registration of FIR No. 146/2026, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) uncovered Baloria’s links to the Gataru gang, headed by Vijaypur brothers Sourav Gupta and Gaurav Gupta.
Further inquiries revealed that Vivek Kumar, a Bihar native working at Ravi Fast Food in Vijaypur, allegedly used the eatery to shelter gang associates and facilitate financial transactions, leading to the recovery of two country-made pistols, five live 9 mm cartridges, and 8.37 grams of heroin from him, police said. Investigators also identified four Punjab-based associates from Ajnala, Amritsar—Manmohit Singh, Sahib Singh, Vikram Bhardwaj alias Vicky Star, and Jagdeep Kaur—who allegedly managed the procurement and supply of arms and narcotics.
Acting on technical and human intelligence, Samba Police, assisted by Uttar Pradesh Police, arrested gang leaders Sourav Gupta and Gaurav Gupta alongside associate Rohit Baloria from Meerut, reports said. Police also booked Meerut resident Mohd Maaz for harbouring the fugitives at his residence. Subsequent disclosures led to the recovery of two pistols, 12 live 9 mm rounds, one country-made weapon, 23 grams of gunpowder, 113 pellets, four pellet caps, and 10.21 grams of heroin behind AIIMS Vijaypur. With leads pointing toward arms procurement via the Punjab-Haryana-based Ghanashyampuria gang, police have booked the accused under the NDPS Act, BNS, and Arms Act, bringing total recoveries to five pistols, one country-made weapon, 27.66 grams of heroin, and 17 rounds of ammunition.
