10 arrested across J&K, UP, Punjab
Samba, Nov 13: In a major crackdown on organised crime, Samba Police have busted an inter-state narcotics and illegal arms syndicate operating across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, arresting 10 persons, including the key leaders of the Gataru gang and recovering weapons, ammunition and heroin.
Police said the investigation has substantially dismantled the network, with financial transactions exceeding rupees 1 crore between the gang leaders and other members also coming under scrutiny.
According to a statement, the case dates back to August 22, 2026, when a police party during routine checking at AIIMS Naka, Vijaypur, intercepted a Swift car bearing registration number JK21J-3391, travelling from Samba towards Vijaypur.
During checking, the driver was identified as Sourab Baloria, a resident of Tehsil Vijaypur, Samba. Police said around 9.08 grams of heroin-like substance and a pistol were recovered from his possession.
Accordingly, FIR No. 146/2026 under relevant sections was registered at Police Station Vijaypur and investigation was taken up.
Taking cognisance of the matter, SSP Samba constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by DSP Headquarters Samba, to investigate the case further.
During sustained investigation, Sourab Baloria disclosed his alleged association with the Gataru gang, headed by brothers Sourav Gupta and Gaurav Gupta, both residents of Vijaypur in Samba district.
Police said the investigation revealed that Baloria was allegedly working as an important logistical facilitator for the gang’s activities in Vijaypur and other areas of Samba.
