Gataru Gang Busted: 10 Arrested In J&K, UP And Punjab Drug, Illegal Arms Network

Samba Police have arrested 10 people, including alleged Gataru gang kingpins, in a multi-state crackdown on drug trafficking and illegal arms dealing across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

Srinagar: Samba Police have busted an inter-state drug trafficking and illegal firearms network operating across Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. They have arrested 10 people, including the alleged kingpins of the Gataru gang.

The operation was carried out by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted on the directions of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Samba, in connection with FIR No. 146/2026 registered at Vijaypur Police Station.

The case dates back to August 22, 2026, when police intercepted a Swift car at AIIMS Naka in Vijaypur during routine checking. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of approximately 9.08 grams of heroin and a firearm from Sourab Baloria, a resident of Vijaypur.

Further investigation revealed his alleged links with the Gataru gang, reportedly headed by brothers Sourav Gupta and Gaurav Gupta, both residents of Vijaypur.

Investigation Exposes Multi-State Drug And Arms Network

Police investigations identified several people allegedly involved in the gang's illegal activities. These included Vivek Kumar, a resident of Vijaypur, along with Manmohit Singh, Sahib Singh, Vikram Bhardwaj, alias Vicky Star, and Jagdeep Kaur, who are based in Punjab and linked to the Amritsar region.

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According to the investigation, the accused were allegedly involved in procuring, supplying, transporting and purchasing drugs and illegal firearms. They also provided logistical assistance and financial support to the network.

During the investigation, police recovered two locally manufactured firearms, five live 9mm rounds and approximately 8.37 grams of heroin from Vivek Kumar.

Alleged Gang Leaders Arrested In Meerut

In a joint operation with Uttar Pradesh Police, the SIT traced and arrested the alleged gang leaders, Sourav Gupta and Gaurav Gupta, along with their associate Rohit Baloria. All three were apprehended in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.

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Police suspect that the accused had been staying at the residence of Mohd Maaz in Meerut while evading arrest. Maaz is also being investigated for allegedly providing them shelter and logistical assistance.

Major Recovery Of Weapons, Ammunition And Heroin

Following the arrests, investigators continued their search operations in the area behind AIIMS Vijaypur, near the Devak River. The searches led to the recovery of a substantial quantity of weapons, ammunition and narcotics.

The seizures included:

• Five firearms
• One locally manufactured weapon
• Approximately 27.66 grams of heroin
• Approximately 17 live 9 mm rounds
• 23 grams of gunpowder
• 113 pellets and four pellet caps

Over Rs 1 Crore Transactions Under Scanner

The financial investigation has revealed that more than Rs 1 crore was allegedly transferred between the gang's suspected kingpins and other members.

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Police are also probing whether the gang procured weapons through intermediaries linked to the Ghanashyampuria gang, which is reportedly based in Punjab and Haryana.

The investigation is continuing, with police working to identify other people involved, trace the financial transactions and dismantle the entire network.

The crackdown is being seen as a significant step towards curbing organised drug trafficking and illegal firearms operations across state boundaries.