Gataru gang leaders arrested in UP; arms, heroin seized
Financial transactions worth Rs 1 Cr under scanner
JAMMU TAWI, Nov 13: In a major breakthrough against organised crime, Jammu and Kashmir Police have busted an inter-state arms and narcotics syndicate operating across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, arresting 10 persons, including alleged kingpins of the notorious Gataru gang, and recovering illegal firearms, ammunition and heroin.
The operation, conducted by Samba Police, has exposed an alleged network involved in drug trafficking, illegal arms procurement, financial transactions and providing logistical support to criminals across state boundaries.
Police said financial transactions exceeding Rs 1 crore between gang leaders and their associates have also come under investigation, indicating the scale of the suspected criminal operations.
The investigation began on August 22, 2026, when police intercepted a Swift car at AIIMS Naka in Vijaypur, Samba district. During checking, police allegedly recovered 9.08 grams of heroin-like substance and a pistol from the driver, identified as Sourab Baloria, a resident of Vijaypur.
Following the seizure, a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by DSP Headquarters Samba, was constituted on the directions of SSP Samba to investigate the wider criminal network.
During interrogation and subsequent investigation, Baloria allegedly disclosed his association with the Gataru gang, reportedly headed by brothers Sourav Gupta and Gaurav Gupta, both residents of Vijaypur.
Police subsequently identified Vivek Kumar, originally from Bihar and presently residing in Vijaypur, as another alleged associate. Investigators found that premises associated with Ravi Fast Food were allegedly being used to shelter gang members and facilitate financial transactions.
Four Punjab-based suspects—Manmohit Singh, Sahib Singh, Vikram Bhardwaj alias Vicky Star and Jagdeep Kaur, all residents of Ajnala in Amritsar—were also identified for their alleged involvement in facilitating the movement of narcotics, weapons and money.
During further investigation, police recovered two country-made pistols, five live cartridges and 8.37 grams of heroin-like substance from Vivek Kumar.
In a significant development, Samba Police, assisted by Uttar Pradesh Police, arrested alleged gang leaders Sourav Gupta and Gaurav Gupta, along with their associate Rohit Baloria, from Meerut.
Investigators also identified Mohd Maaz, a Meerut resident, who allegedly provided shelter and logistical assistance to the absconding accused.
Subsequent recoveries made on the disclosure of the accused included two pistols, another country-made weapon, ammunition, gunpowder, pellets and approximately 10.21 grams of heroin from an area behind AIIMS Vijaypur.
Police said the total seizures comprise five pistols, one country-made weapon, 27.66 grams of heroin, 17 live cartridges and other ammunition-related material.
Investigators are also examining suspected links with the Punjab-Haryana-based Ghanashyampuria gang for illegal arms procurement.
A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, Arms Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Further investigation is underway to identify additional associates and trace the syndicate’s financial network.