Pune Police Seize 7 Pistols, Arrest 9 In Major CrackdownÂ
Pune Police Seize 7 Pistols, Arrest 9 In Major CrackdownÂ
Pune police have arrested nine individuals, including a firearms dealer from Madhya Pradesh, and seized seven country-made pistols along with 11 live cartridges. The operation, led by the crime branch, has potentially averted future violent crimes.
The accused have been identified as Akash Bidkar (24), Sagar Dhebe (24), Subhash Margale (24), Tushar Mane (20), Tejas Khatpe (24), Balu Dhebe (27), Shubham Bagade (24), Aryan Kadale (19), and Ganesh Nikam (24). Among them, several have criminal records.
The case unfolded on January 11, when a crime branch team led by Senior Inspector Rangnath Pawar apprehended Bidkar in Erandwane, recovering a pistol and live ammunition. Investigations revealed that Bidkar intended to use the weapon in a land dispute with family members in Dharashiv district.
Further interrogations led to the arrest of Subhash Margale, who had procured the pistol from Sagar Dhebe. Dhebe, fearing for his life after surviving an attack in November 2024, had sourced seven pistols from a dealer in Madhya Pradesh. He distributed the firearms among acquaintances, including relatives and known criminals.
Through coordinated efforts, the police apprehended all individuals involved, recovering all seven pistols and cartridges. Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Shailesh Balkawade stated that the swift action by the police has likely prevented a potential murder.
An FIR has been registered at Alankar police station under Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita Section 111(3) and the Arms Act. Investigations are ongoing under Assistant Police Inspector Dnyaneshwar Dhavale.
