New Delhi: A gang, which was allegedly involved in selling illegal firearms through Facebook and other social media platforms, was busted by Delhi Police on Sunday.
According to police, during the probe it was revealed that the gang had linkages across the border with anti-national elements through virtual numbers on Whatsapp and other social media platforms. The accused, identified as Hitesh Singh (38), was allegedly involved in more than 11 cases previously, he was arrested from Rajasthan’s Jodhpur.
Delhi Police Special Cell said during social media monitoring, it came to notice that some Facebook profiles, URL had shared the Post and Videos in which they were offering sale of illegal arms.
They had also displayed photographs and videos of weapons and ammunition on their Facebook pages. The most prominent group out of these was a group in the name of Lawrence Bishnoi Group. Since, the matter was of utmost importance after the alleged killing of gangster Jitender Gogi in Rohini Court shootout, the matter was taken up by the Special Cell and a case was registered, said KPS Malhotra, DCP, Special Cell.
Facebook profiles related to Lawrence Bishnoi were searched and found that out of a friend's list on Facebook one Hitesh Rajput alias Hirpal Singh was also having a separate profile on Facebook, who was also offering the illegal firearms for sale, said Malhotra.
The active profiles of Hirpal were identified and a deal was struck with the Facebook profile IDs and communication was undertaken on various social media platforms.
During communication, the weapon videos were shared by Hirpal and the advance money for the same was deposited in the bank account provided by him.
Hitesh was apprehended from Manesar in Haryana, when he came to receive the remaining amount. He was arrested and his mobile phone was forensically examined, which generated further workable leads and the same were developed. He has had connections with anti-national elements and nefarious people from across the border also, said police.
The police said he had started his activities way back in the year 2010. He along with his friend had committed theft in a book shop. After coming out of jail, he started stealing bikes and selling them. While in jail he met Dhan Singh Peeproli who became his mentor, said DCP, Special Cell. (UNI)
