In a startling incident that underscores the menace of illegal arms, a 45-year-old man with a prior murder conviction was arrested in Mumbra on Saturday after he allegedly opened fire at his sister's home in Vasai. The police search of his hideout yielded an even more dangerous discovery: a hand grenade along with a firearm and live ammunition.
Dramatic Arrest and Recovery of Deadly Arsenal
The accused, identified as Shivshankar Vishwakarma, had fled from Vasai after the shooting and was tracked down to his residence in Mumbra. Acting on a tip-off, a police team conducted a raid and successfully apprehended him. During the subsequent search of the premises, officers uncovered a cache of weapons that included a gun, five live rounds, and a live hand grenade.
The discovery of the grenade elevated the seriousness of the case, prompting authorities to handle the material with extreme caution. Vishwakarma was immediately taken into custody and transported to the Waliv police station for interrogation and legal processing.
A Violent History and a Family Dispute Turned Deadly
Investigations revealed that Shivshankar Vishwakarma is not new to violent crime. He has a grim past, having been jailed in 2018 for the murder of his own wife. The motive behind the recent attack on his sister stemmed from a financial quarrel. According to police sources, the sister had demanded that Vishwakarma repay the money she had spent on securing his bail in the previous murder case. This demand allegedly triggered his violent response.
Following the arrest and the recovery of the weapons, the police formally registered a First Information Report (FIR). Vishwakarma has been booked under serious charges including attempt to murder and relevant sections of the Arms Act. The inclusion of the Arms Act charges is particularly significant given the nature of the recovered arsenal.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Concerns
The case has sent shockwaves through the local communities of Vasai and Mumbra. Authorities are now intensively investigating how Vishwakarma, a former murder convict, managed to procure such a dangerous weapon like a hand grenade. Police are probing his possible connections to illicit arms networks to trace the source of the explosive device and the firearm.
This incident highlights the persistent challenge of illegal weapons and the potential for recidivism among individuals with violent histories. The Waliv police are continuing their investigation to ensure all aspects of this alarming case are thoroughly examined.
