United States has approved possible defence support deals for India involving Apache attack helicopters and M777 ultra-light howitzers, with the combined value exceeding $428 million, according to the US Department of State.
The proposed agreements include sustainment support services for AH-64E Apache helicopters valued at approximately $198.2 million and long-term support for M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers worth around $230 million.
Both deals will be processed through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme.
Boeing, Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems to Lead Contracts
The principal contractors for the Apache support package are Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
For the M777 support package, UK-based BAE Systems will serve as the principal contractor.
Apache Support Package Includes Training and Logistics
According to the US State Department, India requested sustainment support services for its AH-64E Apache fleet, including engineering, technical and logistics assistance from both the US government and defence contractors.
The package also covers technical publications, training for personnel and additional logistics and programme support services.
The total estimated value of the Apache support package stands at $198.2 million.
Long-Term Support for M777 Howitzers
For the M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers, India sought long-term sustainment support aimed at improving operational readiness.
The package includes ancillary equipment, spare parts, repair and return services, training, technical assistance, field service representatives and depot capability support.
The US said the support services would help India maintain and enhance the operational capability of its artillery systems.
US Says Deal Strengthens Indo-Pacific Security Partnership
The US government said the proposed sales align with Washington’s foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening strategic ties with India.
“The proposed sales will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defence, and deter regional threats,” the State Department said.
It also stated that India would face “no difficulty” integrating the equipment and services into its armed forces and added that the deals would not alter the “basic military balance” in the region.
The US further noted that the proposed sales would have “no adverse impact” on American defence readiness.
Ahmedabad Police Follow ‘Ghost Stories’ to Crack Murder Cases
Ahmedabad police have begun systematically tracking reports of alleged “ghost sightings” and paranormal stories after investigators cracked two murder cases in six months using leads linked to such claims.
Officials from the city crime branch said unusual stories circulating in neighbourhoods may sometimes point towards hidden crimes, missing persons or suspects struggling with guilt.
Two Murder Cases Solved Through Eerie Leads
In one case from Sarkhej, a man was allegedly murdered in November last year and buried beneath the kitchen platform of his own home.
In another case from Vatva, police recovered the remains of a woman from a house in Qutubnagar nearly 34 years after she was allegedly murdered.
According to senior crime branch officers, both investigations gained momentum after locals began discussing ghostly occurrences connected to the properties.
Police Activate Informer Networks
Crime branch officials said instructions have now been issued to officers across Ahmedabad to monitor reports involving apparitions, haunted houses or occult-related claims.
“We have instructed cops to activate their informer network. If a person is seeing a ghost or seeking occult intervention, it could be due to guilt or suspected involvement in or knowledge of an untoward incident in the past,” a senior officer said.
The officer clarified that investigators are not treating paranormal claims as supernatural evidence, but rather as behavioural indicators that may uncover concealed crimes.
‘No Input Should Be Treated as Frivolous’
Police stressed that the approach remains rooted in conventional investigation methods and evidence collection.
“The point is that no input should be treated as petty or frivolous. We are open to inquiring into any such ghost stories,” the officer added.
Sarkhej Murder Cracked After ‘Haunted House’ Rumours
The Sarkhej case came to light after the crime branch received information that the main accused, Imran Vaghela, had allegedly been telling people he was haunted by the ghost of the deceased, Mohammed Ansari.
Police said Vaghela was reportedly involved in a relationship with Ansari’s wife, Ruby, and was mentally disturbed after the murder.
Locals had reportedly begun referring to the locked house as a “Bhoot Bangla” or haunted house.
Investigators later planted a cleric to gain the accused’s confidence and eventually secured information leading to the discovery of Ansari’s body buried under the kitchen platform.
34-Year-Old Murder Unearthed in Vatva
In the second case, police excavated a property in Qutubnagar, Vatva, after receiving a tip-off linked to paranormal rumours surrounding the house.
The remains were identified as those of Farzana Radhanpuri, who was allegedly murdered over three decades ago.
Police arrested her husband, Shamsuddin Khedawala, and his elder brother, Iqbal Khedawala, on charges including murder, criminal conspiracy and destruction of evidence.
