In a significant breakthrough, Pune police have exposed a sophisticated illegal firearms supply network operating between Madhya Pradesh's Umrati village and the notorious Andekar gang in Pune. The investigation has revealed startling details about how weapons manufactured in rural MP are making their way to criminals across Maharashtra.
The Investigation Unfolds
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone IV) Somay Munde disclosed on Monday that the ongoing probe into illegal firearms supply from Umrati village has uncovered the Andekar gang's active involvement in procuring weapons from middlemen connected to manufacturing units in the MP village. The gang not only kept weapons for their own use but also operated as distributors, selling firearms to other criminals for profit.
The investigation gained momentum after the recent seizure of 11 country-made pistols by Airport police. During this probe, authorities made a crucial connection: one pistol used in the murder of auto driver Ganesh Kale on November 1 at Khadi Machine Chowk was traced back to the Andekar gang's procurement from Umrati middlemen.
Massive Raid and Seizure Operation
In a coordinated early morning operation on Saturday, Pune police teams assisted by Madhya Pradesh anti-terrorism squad officials raided multiple firearms manufacturing units in Umrati village. The raid resulted in the destruction of illegal forges and significant seizures including five country-made pistols, 100 raw barrels, five magazines, five finished magazines, 14 grinding machines, two live rounds, four empty cartridges, 15 pistol bodies, five billhooks, and six saw materials.
Seven villagers were arrested during the operation and brought to Pune on Sunday. They were produced before a city court the same evening, which remanded them to police custody for five days to facilitate further investigation.
Alarming Scale of Operations
Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar revealed on Sunday that investigations have uncovered that more than 700 weapons were supplied from Umrati village to various parts of Maharashtra. The arms manufacturing units had adopted modern marketing techniques, using social media platforms to sell weapons and establish contact with customers, particularly criminals and gangsters.
Four country-made pistols seized by Kalepadal police have also been connected to the Airport police station's case, indicating the widespread distribution network operating across Pune.
Innovative Criminal Business Model
The illegal arms manufacturers from Umrati have developed a unique business strategy that DCP Munde described as 'Ek ghoda, do dana' (one horse, two grains). They sell country-made pistols, referred to as 'ghoda' (horse), along with two complementary bullets called 'dana' (grains) as part of a combo offer.
"However, the bullets are used quickly, and the buyer must purchase another firearm to avail the offer again. This is a clever business strategy where, once confidence is gained, the customer can obtain more bullets," Munde explained, highlighting the sophisticated marketing approach adopted by these illegal manufacturers.
The police have decided to take legal action against Bandu Andekar and other gang members in the Airport police station's Arms Act case, marking a significant step in dismantling this dangerous network that has been supplying weapons for criminal activities across the region.
