SAMBA: Samba Police have claimed to have substantially dismantled an inter-state narcotics and illegal arms syndicate, with operational links across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, during an ongoing investigation into organised criminal networks.
The investigation began on August 22, 2026, when a police party conducting routine checking at AIIMS Naka, Vijaypur, intercepted a Swift car bearing registration number JK21J-3391, travelling from Samba towards Vijaypur. The driver, identified as Sourab Baloria, a resident of Tehsil Vijaypur, was allegedly found carrying around 9.08 grams of heroin-like substance and a pistol.
A case, FIR No. 146/2026, was registered at Police Station Vijaypur under relevant sections, and an investigation was initiated. Subsequently, SSP Samba constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by DSP Headquarters Samba, to investigate the case.
During sustained questioning and investigation, Baloria allegedly disclosed his association with the Gataru Gang, reportedly headed by brothers Sourav Gupta and Gaurav Gupta, both residents of Vijaypur. Police said the investigation indicated that Baloria was allegedly facilitating the gang’s logistical activities in Vijaypur and Samba.
Punjab-based links and logistical support
Further investigation revealed the alleged role of Vivek Kumar, a resident of Hanumannagar, Sitamarhi, Bihar, presently living in Vijaypur and working at Ravi Fast Food. According to police, technical evidence suggested that the premises were being used to provide temporary shelter to gang associates and facilitate certain financial transactions.
Police also identified four alleged Punjab-based associates: Manmohit Singh, Sahib Singh, Vikram Bhardwaj alias Vicky Star and Jagdeep Kaur, all residents of Gopal Nagar, Ajnala, Amritsar. Investigators alleged that they facilitated the procurement, movement and supply of narcotics and illegal weapons, besides providing logistical and financial support.
On the disclosure of Vivek Kumar, police recovered two country-made pistols, five live 9 mm cartridges and 8.37 grams of heroin-like substance.
Gang leaders arrested in Meerut
The SIT, using technical analysis and human intelligence, traced and arrested alleged gang leaders Sourav Gupta and Gaurav Gupta, sons of Om Parkash Gupta and residents of Vijaypur, along with their associate Rohit Baloria, son of Gopal Krishan Baloria, from Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, with the assistance of UP Police.
The investigation further revealed that the accused had allegedly taken shelter at the residence of Mohd Maaz, son of Mohd Zakir, a resident of Saigang, Tehsil Sadar Bazar, Meerut. Police alleged that he provided accommodation and logistical support to the gang. Relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) were subsequently invoked in connection with the alleged harbouring of the accused.
Major recovery from Devak River area
Following the arrests and disclosures by the accused, police recovered a significant cache of weapons and narcotics from an area behind AIIMS Vijaypur, near the Devak River.
The recoveries included two pistols, 12 live 9 mm cartridges, one country-made weapon, 23 grams of gunpowder, 113 pellets, four pellet caps and approximately 10.21 grams of heroin.
Financial trail and wider criminal links
Police said the financial investigation had revealed systematic movement of money, including transactions exceeding Rs 1 crore between the alleged gang leaders and other members of the network.
Further investigation has also indicated possible links involving intermediaries connected with the Punjab-Haryana-based Ghanashyampuria gang, particularly in the alleged procurement of weapons.
Samba Police said the investigation was continuing on multiple fronts to identify all individuals involved and dismantle the network’s operational and financial infrastructure.
