In a major breakthrough, the forensic team recovered cartridges made in Pakistan and the USA from the violence-hit area in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. According to the media reports, police uncovered Sambhal violence’s link to Pakistan following discovering an empty cartridge manufactured in the Pakistan Ordnance Factory. The cartridge was recovered alongside five others from a drain at the site of the 24th November violence.
Speaking to the media, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrish Chandra said, “On Tuesday, the forensic team arrived at the Kot Garvi neighbourhood, where violence occurred on November 24 during the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. The team found six cartridges in the drains. One of these empty cartridges was manufactured at the Pakistan Ordnance Factory.”
The recovery of international ammunition has raised serious concerns, and the security agencies have been alerted about the discovery. The cartridges included two 12-bore and two 32-bore shells along with 9 mm shells of foreign origin. Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Singh confirmed the discovery of foreign-made cartridges and said, “One of the cartridges had ‘POF’ (meaning Pakistan Ordnance Factory) written on it. It is a 9 mm cartridge, and the bullet was shot. It is suspected that it is made in Pakistan. Another 9 mm cartridge with ‘FL with two stars’ is possibly made in the USA. Additionally, two 12-bore and two 32-bore shell casings were found. The police team is still conducting a search operation using metal detectors. We are taking the help of the Municipal Corporation in the drive.”
Following the violence, two Special Investigation Teams (SITs) have been formed to investigate the matter. Sambhal’s Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar said, “Two SITs were formed to carry out the investigation of the Sambhal violence. One of the investigation officers carried out a search operation with the support of the Municipal Corporation and recovered one made in Pakistan and one made in the USA cartridge, along with four other cartridges.”
He added, “The recovery of international cartridges is shocking for the police, and it will be investigated thoroughly with the help of investigation agencies. In the past, NIA took the help of local police in collecting information about criminals involved in anti-national activities. We will check the history of all criminals with any connection to terrorism and check if they were involved in the violence.”
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