TikTok fame lands Bilal Marth in legal trouble as CCD cracks down on weapons display

social media personality known as Bilal Marth has landed behind bars after the Crime Control Department registered a case against him

MANDI BAHAUDDIN: A social media personality known as Bilal Marth has landed behind bars after the Crime Control Department (CCD) registered a case against him and several associates for allegedly displaying prohibited weapons, a move officials say is part of an ongoing crackdown on gun culture and the glorification of arms on social media.
According to CCD documents, Bilal Marth and seven other suspects were produced before a local court after their arrest. The court subsequently sent all eight accused to jail on judicial remand while further legal proceedings continue.
The case was registered by CCD Mandi Bahauddin under sections of the Punjab Arms Ordinance relating to possession and public display of weapons. Investigators alleged that the suspects were involved in exhibiting firearms and promoting gun culture, activities that have increasingly come under scrutiny by law enforcement agencies across Punjab.
Officials familiar with the investigation said the action was taken after CCD teams gathered evidence and conducted inquiries into the matter. Authorities maintain that the campaign is not limited to one individual and forms part of a province-wide effort against those using social media platforms to project influence through weapons and armed entourages.
The arrest of Bilal Marth, who enjoys a significant following on TikTok and other social media platforms, has drawn attention in Mandi Bahauddin and surrounding districts. Videos and photographs linked to the accused reportedly surfaced during the inquiry, prompting law enforcement authorities to initiate legal action.
Sources in CCD said the department has intensified operations against armed displays, illegal weapons and individuals attempting to gain popularity through content featuring firearms. Officers involved in the operation described the case as a message that social media fame would not place anyone above the law.
The latest action also highlights the growing role of CCD in pursuing high-profile cases across central Punjab. In recent months, the department has launched a series of operations against proclaimed offenders, organized crime networks and individuals accused of violating arms laws.
Police circles in Gujrat and Mandi Bahauddin have particularly noted the aggressive approach adopted by CCD Mandi Bahauddin In-charge Amir Shahzadi. Officers say he has been pursuing cases involving influential individuals without discrimination.
Before his posting in Mandi Bahauddin, Amir Shahzadi had also drawn attention in Gujrat when action was taken against a sitting MNA in a case linked to the alleged display of weapons. That move generated considerable debate in political and law enforcement circles and was viewed by many as a sign that authorities were willing to proceed against influential figures where evidence existed.
Officials say the ongoing campaign will continue across Punjab and that more actions are expected against individuals found violating arms laws or promoting weapons through social media content.
Meanwhile, CCD officials urged citizens, particularly young social media users, to avoid content that encourages the public display of firearms, warning that such activities could lead to criminal cases, arrests and prosecution under relevant laws.
The accused remain in judicial custody, while investigators continue to examine evidence and prepare the case for trial.