During the operation, police recovered an AK-47 along with its magazine and live cartridges.

Amritsar: A suspected illegal arms network has come under the scanner of Amritsar Rural Police following the arrest of an accused and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and two hand grenades.

The police operation has also raised the possibility of an interstate or international connection, with investigators saying the preliminary probe points towards alleged contact between the accused and weapons smugglers based abroad.

During the operation, police recovered an AK-47 along with its magazine and live cartridges. Two hand grenades were also seized, adding an explosives angle to the investigation.

The case has been registered at Gharinda police station under provisions of the Arms Act and the Explosive Substances Act. Police are now examining how the weapons entered the suspected supply chain and where they were allegedly intended to be delivered.

Investigators are also looking beyond the arrested individual as they attempt to identify others associated with the network. Officials are expected to examine the suspected sources of the weapons as well as possible recipients and intermediaries.

The police said establishing the complete backward and forward links remains a key part of the ongoing investigation.

The latest action comes amid continued efforts by Punjab Police to identify and disrupt illegal arms trafficking and organised criminal networks operating through clandestine supply channels.

Further details are expected as investigators make progress in tracing the wider network and determining the role of other suspected individuals.