Pistol from Amritsar, delivered via ‘dead letter box’: Tiger Shroff murder bid revives concern over Pakistan-linked arms smuggling in Punjab

AMRITSAR: The alleged use of a pistol sourced from Amritsar in the October 18 firing at Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff’s car in Mumbai has brought Punjab’s cross-border arms-smuggling routes under renewed security scrutiny. Intelligence and security agencies met on Thursday to assess the emerging threat and explore possible links between local weapon couriers, organised crime networks and Pakistan-based smugglers.Police probing the Mumbai firing have reportedly found that a pistol and 20 rounds of ammunition were collected from a pre-arranged location in Amritsar through a method known as a “dead letter box”, in which weapons are left at designated spots for recipients to collect without meeting the suppliers. The transfer was allegedly coordinated through an encrypted messaging application, and the weapon was subsequently transported to Mumbai, according to reports on the investigation.The development has raised concerns about how weapons smuggled into Punjab could be channelled into criminal networks operating in other parts of the country, even as security agencies continue to grapple with the cross-border smuggling of arms, ammunition and narcotics using drones.Border villages under scannerHighly placed security sources said several villages on the Pakistani side of the international border, particularly those within roughly three kilometres of it, were suspected of being used as launch sites for drone operations. The unmanned aerial vehicles reportedly travel five to seven kilometres into Indian territory to drop consignments at designated locations, where local handlers retrieve them.Intelligence inputs have identified several suspected smuggling points opposite Punjab’s border districts. These include Rohilla and Tejeke opposite Fazilka; Gatti Kalanjar opposite Ferozepur; Padanna and Jahman opposite Tarn Taran; Dial and Bhasin opposite Amritsar; and Masrur Bara Bhai opposite the Bamiyal sector of Gurdaspur district, sources said.Possible cross-border collusionSources said security agencies were exploring ways to use online expressions of resentment by residents of Pakistani border villages, along with their own intelligence inputs, to build a case highlighting Pakistan’s alleged role in cross-border smuggling before the international community.The presence of Pakistan Rangers posts in the vicinity has raised questions among Indian security agencies about whether such operations could continue without the border force’s knowledge. Sources alleged possible collusion between smugglers and elements across the border, though any official complicity would require independent evidence.Some residents of Pakistani border villages have reportedly expressed resentment online over the alleged use of their localities by outsiders for smuggling, purportedly with the assistance of Pakistan Rangers. Security sources believe these videos and other public expressions of discontent could provide material for India to raise the issue through diplomatic channels and international forums.Anti-drone measures under scrutinyThe effectiveness of anti-drone systems deployed by the Centre and the Punjab government has also come under scrutiny, as repeated recoveries suggest that existing measures have not eliminated the threat.Possible collusion among smugglers, local facilitators and other elements cannot be ruled out, sources said.The alleged recovery of a weapon sourced from Amritsar, the use of encrypted communications and the suspected drone-smuggling networks have heightened security concerns. Agencies are examining the available evidence and exploring ways to raise the issue with Pakistan through diplomatic channels and international forums.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Amritsar | Silver Rate in Amritsar | Bank Holidays in Amritsar | Public Holidays in Amritsar | Petrol Price in Amritsar | Diesel Price in Amritsar | CNG Price in Amritsar | LPG Price in AmritsarStay updated with the latest Amritsar news. Download the TOI App.