Proclaimed Offender Arrested in Uttar Pradesh for Arms Trafficking

In a significant operation, police have arrested a proclaimed offender in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, linked to illegal arms trafficking. The individual, known as Punit alias Punjabi, had been evading arrest since being declared a proclaimed offender in a 2013 case. Authorities acted on credible intelligence and successfully apprehended him, revealing a long history of criminal activities, including previous arrests for arms trafficking. Legal proceedings are now underway as the investigation continues into his extensive criminal background.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 18, 2026, 12:50 IST

Arrest of a Notorious Criminal

Representational Image

New Delhi, June 18: Authorities have apprehended a proclaimed offender linked to an illegal arms trafficking operation, who had been evading capture, in Bulandshahr district, Uttar Pradesh, as reported by police on Thursday.

The Special Staff team from Shahdara district in the national capital has been actively pursuing proclaimed offenders and habitual criminals as part of their ongoing initiative.

On June 16, reliable intelligence indicated that the offender, identified as 35-year-old Punit alias Punjabi, was located in Khurja, Bulandshahr.

Records confirmed that he had been declared a proclaimed offender by the Patiala House Court in New Delhi in relation to a case from 2013.

Upon receiving this information, a specialized police team was formed, including SI Rajkumar, HC Nitin, Ct. Rudrapratap, and Ct. Shekhar, under the leadership of Inspector Ashish Kumar, I/C Special Staff, Shahdara District, with oversight from ACP/Operations and DCP Shahdara.

The team promptly traveled to Khurja, where they conducted thorough surveillance and verification. Their diligent efforts led to the successful capture of the proclaimed offender.

Investigators reported that the accused was taken into custody, and legal proceedings under Section 35(1)(D) BNSS have commenced. He is set to appear in court for further legal proceedings.

Officials noted that Punit alias Punjabi has a notorious reputation and a lengthy criminal record. In 2013, he was arrested by the Special Cell in Delhi for a significant arms trafficking case, during which 10 illegal pistols and 10 spare magazines were seized from him.

Investigations at that time revealed his role in trafficking illegal firearms from Munger in Bihar to Delhi. Following this, he absconded from legal proceedings and was subsequently declared a proclaimed person by the court.

The arrested individual has been implicated in eight criminal cases, which include violations of the Arms Act, Attempt to Murder, House Trespass, Criminal Intimidation, Assault, and the Dowry Prohibition Act.