Uttarakhand Police Uncover Illegal Arms Cache at Pocso Convict's Residence in Nainital
In a significant operation, Uttarakhand police on Tuesday made a startling recovery of illegal firearms and ammunition from the house of a 60-year-old Pocso convict in the Gaujajali North area of Banphoolpura, Nainital. This discovery has sparked considerable concern among local residents, raising alarms about public safety in the neighborhood.
Family Tip-Off Leads to Police Raid and Arrest
Nainital Senior Superintendent of Police Manjunath TC revealed that the accused, identified as Mobin Khan, was reported by his own family members. They alleged that Khan frequently engaged in violent arguments and suspected he had stored illegal arms at his home. Acting swiftly on this crucial input, police conducted a raid on his residence.
The seizure included:
- A .315 bore country-made pistol with two live cartridges
- A 12 bore country-made pistol with five live cartridges
- One 7.62 bore live cartridge
- Ten live cartridges of 7.65 bore
Khan was immediately arrested and booked under relevant sections of the Arms Act. He is scheduled to be produced before a competent court for legal proceedings.
Background of the Accused: Former Employee with Prior Conviction
Police investigations disclosed that Mobin Khan, a former employee of the education department, had previously been convicted in a Pocso case. In 2023, a trial court sentenced him to seven years' imprisonment for this offense. However, Khan challenged the conviction and is currently out on bail, with proceedings pending in the high court.
In connection with the Pocso case, he was suspended from service in 2023. The First Information Report against him was originally registered in 2017 under charges of assault, kidnapping, criminal intimidation, and provisions of the Pocso Act.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Alert
Authorities are now intensively working to trace the source of the recovered weapons and are examining all aspects related to this recovery. Police have issued a strong appeal to residents, urging them to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help maintain law and order.
Timing Amidst Sensitive Supreme Court Verdict
This recovery occurs just days ahead of the Supreme Court's expected verdict on February 24 in the long-running railway land encroachment case. Local residents have expressed that the presence of such weapons has caused unease in the neighborhood, particularly at this sensitive juncture.
The apex court's upcoming decision will determine the future of nearly 5,000 people living on approximately 29 acres of alleged encroached railway land in Banphoolpura. This matter has been under litigation for years, with the Supreme Court earlier staying High Court eviction orders.
Ahead of the last hearing in December 2025, extensive security arrangements were implemented across Haldwani amid concerns over possible fallout if eviction was ordered. Police had detained several individuals for allegedly "planning to spoil the situation" and maintained heightened vigilance in sensitive areas to prevent any disruptions.
