Chandigarh Police Apprehend Traders for Possessing 236 Automatic Button Knives

Concerned about the escalating number of killings involving assailants using automatic button knives, also known as Rampuri knives, Chandigarh Police have taken swift action by apprehending two traders operating departmental stores. The traders were found to be in possession of a staggering 236 button knives, raising serious concerns about public safety.

The individuals responsible for the illegal possession of these weapons have been identified as Satish Kumar (38) and Parveen Kumar (41). Both residents of Sector 9 in Panchkula, they had been operating departmental stores in Mani Majra, Sector 13, for the past decade, seemingly under the radar of law enforcement agencies.

Heightened Concerns Following Recent Fatal Stabbings

In the past five days alone, there have been at least two fatal stabbing incidents involving button knives, prompting the police to investigate any potential patterns. The first incident occurred on January 1 when a 26-year-old man named Mukesh was brutally stabbed by three assailants in Vikas Nagar. Just two days later, on January 3, another individual, 25-year-old Sunil Kumar, fell victim to a similar attack, carried out by four men in Sector 19.

During the course of the investigation, it was revealed that the button knife used in Mukesh’s murder was procured from one of the departmental stores owned by the arrested traders.

Legality and Consequences

DSP (North-East) P Abhinandan emphasized that the sale and purchase of button knives are strictly prohibited in Chandigarh. Furthermore, the possession of automatic button knives is illegal under the Arms Act in India. The traders involved in this case will face charges under Section 25, 54, and 59 of the Arms Act.

In an effort to prevent anti-social elements from taking advantage, the police are urging shopkeepers and traders to refrain from selling such knives in the market. They have also announced the upcoming launch of a campaign against traders and shopkeepers involved in the illicit trade of these dangerous weapons.

Similar Incidents in Other Cities

This recent case in Chandigarh is not an isolated incident. In July 2022, Delhi Police seized over 14,000 automatic button knives, leading to the arrest of five individuals. These incidents highlight the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement measures to curb the sale and possession of such lethal weapons.