Delhi Police Sunday said it has arrested three people and seized a huge cache of live cartridges. However, police ruled out the possibility of any terror link behind the seizure and arrests.
Police recovered 1,020 live cartridges from three arms and ammunition suppliers.
Mohammad Sharik, a 42-year-old resident of Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, and Faeeem Miya, a 44-year-old resident of Uttarakhand, were arrested Friday night near the Welcome station of Delhi Metro where they were to supply a consignment of 920 cartridges.
"There is no terror link to the recovery of the cartridges," a police official said.
"An inter-state gang, indulging in illegal arms and ammunition trade, had procured the ammunition from Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh and tried to sell them to criminal elements in the area of Delhi and National Capital Region," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Sanjeev Yadav said.
On a tip-off by the arrested duo, Mohammad Imran, a 32-year-old resident of Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh, was arrested with 100 live cartridges Saturday from a roadside eatery near his village.
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Sharik was earlier involved in 11 cases of murder, robbery, attempt to murder and for crimes under the Gangster Act.
Faeeem, who is also involved in 16 cases, is a leader of the Peace Party of India.
Imran's criminal background was yet to be ascertained by police.
Security has been tightened in Delhi ahead of Republic Day which will have US President Barack Obama as the chief guest for the celebrations.