Ratia: The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) Ratia has arrested a wanted criminal carrying a reward of ₹5,000 and recovered two illegal pistols and three live cartridges from his possession. The accused, identified as Sandeep Kumar, son of Suba Singh, a resident of Sidhani village in Fatehabad district, has eight criminal cases registered against him in Haryana and Punjab, including two attempted murder cases in Punjab.
The arrest was made as part of Fatehabad Police’s ongoing campaign against wanted criminals and illegal firearms. Following the recovery, a fresh case has been registered against the accused under the Arms Act at Sadar Ratia police station. He will be produced before the court.
DSP Crime Rajiv Kumar disclosed the details during a press conference, explaining how the CIA team tracked down the wanted accused.
Suspicious movement leads to arrest near Chhimo village
According to DSP Rajiv Kumar, the arrest took place on October 29 when a CIA Ratia team, led by ASI Govind, was patrolling towards the Ghaswa Road area from Chhimo village to prevent criminal activities.
Near the School Dhani turning in Chhimo village, the police team noticed a young man carrying a white plastic bag. On seeing the police vehicle, he reportedly turned away and moved some distance before sitting down.
His suspicious behaviour prompted the police personnel to intercept and detain him for questioning. During a search conducted according to procedure, the team recovered a .32-bore illegal pistol and two live cartridges from his bag. Another illegal 12-bore pistol and one live cartridge were also found.
The police seized both firearms and all three cartridges. A case numbered 230, dated October 29, 2026, has been registered under Sections 25(1-B)(A), 54 and 59 of the Arms Act at Sadar Ratia police station.
What criminal cases are already registered against the accused?
DSP Rajiv Kumar said a review of Sandeep Kumar’s criminal record revealed six cases registered against him at different police stations in Haryana. Additionally, two separate attempted murder cases under Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) are registered against him in Punjab.
The six Haryana cases include:
- Case No. 146, dated November 16, 2019, under Sections 148, 149, 323, 324 and 506 IPC, at Jakhal police station, Fatehabad.
- Case No. 23, dated February 21, 2025, under Sections 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act and Section 111 of the BNS, at Jakhal police station, Fatehabad.
- Case No. 318, dated November 23, 2019, under Sections 148, 149, 323, 307, 427, 336 and 201 IPC, along with Sections 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act, at Cheeka police station.
- Case No. 95, dated April 10, 2022, under Sections 147, 149, 323, 325, 341 and 506 IPC, at Sadar Tohana police station, Fatehabad.
- Case No. 90, dated May 6, 2022, under Sections 323, 506, 341 and 34 IPC, at Jakhal police station, Fatehabad.
- Case No. 360, dated October 10, 2024, under Sections 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act, at Bhuna police station, Fatehabad.
The details of the two Punjab cases, including their police station names, case numbers and registration dates, are still being collected by the authorities.
The accused has previously been booked in cases involving attempted murder, assault, criminal intimidation and illegal possession of firearms, among other offences.
Investigation underway to trace weapon suppliers
Police are now investigating the source of the two illegal pistols and identifying those who may have supplied the weapons to the accused. Investigators are also examining the purpose behind possessing the firearms and looking into his possible criminal connections.
DSP Crime Rajiv Kumar described the arrest as an important achievement in the campaign against wanted offenders and illegal weapons. He said Fatehabad Police were keeping a close watch on wanted criminals and acting promptly on information about their activities.
He further stated that strict action against individuals involved in serious offences, illegal firearm possession and other criminal activities would continue. The police remain committed to strengthening law and order, controlling crime and ensuring public safety.
