BATALA, Nov. 14 -- The Batala police have apprehended two key associates of foreign-based gangster Amrit Dalaam of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang, and recovered two foreign-made .30-calibre pistols along with live cartridges from their possession, Punjab director general of police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said here on Thursday.

Those arrested have been identified as Vijay Masih, a resident of Satkoha in Batala, and Malkit Singh, a resident of Naharpur Khaddar in Batala.

DGP Yadav said preliminary investigation has revealed that both accused were tasked by gangster Dalaam to carry out target killings.

"Both the arrested accused have a criminal background with cases of attempt to murder, NDPS Act, and Arms Act registered against them," he said. ...