Delhi Police Files FIR Against Blinkit for Allegedly Selling Illegal Knives Online
In a significant crackdown on the online sale of prohibited weapons, Delhi Police has registered a First Information Report (FIR) under the Arms Act against the quick-commerce platform Blinkit. The action follows allegations that the platform has been selling illegal knives through its digital marketplace, raising serious concerns about public safety and regulatory compliance in the e-commerce sector.
Murder Investigations Trigger Police Scrutiny
The case originated from two separate murder incidents in west Delhi's Khyala area, which prompted police to investigate the source of the weapons used. According to official statements, a constable posted at Khyala police station filed a complaint stating that both murders—one occurring last month and another in February involving a 14-year-old boy—were committed using knives purchased through online platforms. This alarming revelation led authorities to initiate a thorough examination of various e-commerce and quick-delivery services offering knives for sale.
During this scrutiny, police identified Blinkit as a platform allegedly selling prohibited knives that violate legal specifications. Under the Arms Act, knives exceeding the maximum permitted blade length of 7.62 centimeters and width of 1.72 centimeters are classified as illegal. The discovery has intensified efforts to curb the unauthorized distribution of such dangerous items.
Undercover Operation and Evidence Collection
To verify the allegations, the constable conducted an undercover operation by placing an order for a knife on Blinkit on February 13. The delivery was directed to the second floor of Khyala police station, with the intent to assess whether the product complied with legal standards. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Darade Sharad Bhaskar confirmed that the knife, priced at Rs 710, was delivered at 4:05 PM on the same day.
"The knife was found to be 'gararidar' (manually openable and closable) and featured a steel blade measuring 8 centimeters in length and 2.5 centimeters in width. Consequently, it was deemed illegal under the Arms Act," stated the DCP. The tax invoice accompanying the delivery listed the online platform as the seller, with an address located in west Delhi's Tihar village, providing crucial evidence for the case.
Legal Action and Seizures
Based on these findings, Delhi Police registered a case under Sections 25, 54, and 59 of the Arms Act, which pertain to the possession, sale, and manufacture of prohibited arms. The investigation escalated rapidly, leading to coordinated raids across Delhi. On February 15, police teams seized 16 illegal knives from various dark stores and outlets linked to Blinkit throughout the city.
The following day, authorities expanded their operations and recovered an additional 32 prohibited knives from a warehouse operated by the platform in Farrukhnagar, Gurgaon. In total, 50 illegal knives have been confiscated so far, highlighting the scale of the alleged violations. Police are now actively working to identify individuals responsible for the procurement, storage, and sale of these weapons, aiming to hold accountable those involved in the illicit trade.
Platform's Response and Ongoing Probe
When approached for comment, Blinkit refused to provide a statement on the matter, leaving questions unanswered regarding its internal controls and compliance mechanisms. The platform's silence has added to the gravity of the situation, as authorities continue their probe into how such prohibited items were made available for sale online.
This case underscores broader issues of regulatory oversight in the fast-growing quick-commerce and e-commerce industries, where rapid delivery services may sometimes bypass stringent checks. Delhi Police's actions serve as a warning to other platforms to ensure strict adherence to legal standards, particularly concerning items that pose potential risks to public safety.
As the investigation progresses, further details are expected to emerge regarding the extent of the violations and any additional measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The FIR against Blinkit marks a pivotal step in addressing the challenges posed by the digital sale of dangerous goods, reinforcing the need for robust enforcement and corporate accountability.
