The Anti-Extortion Cell of the Thane Crime Branch on Friday night arrested a history-sheeter and murder accused from Bhiwandi for allegedly carrying an illegal country-made pistol and live ammunition in violation of prohibitory orders enforced across the city.
The accused, a resident of Kalher, was nabbed near New Kasheli Bridge on the Kalher–Thane road following a specific tip-off. Senior police inspector Shailesh Salvi of the Anti-Extortion Cell stated, "The accused has a serious criminal background and is also accused in a 2018 murder case registered at Narpoli police station under Sections 302 and 34 of the IPC."
Salvi explained that a police team laid a trap and intercepted the accused. Upon frisking, they allegedly recovered a country-made pistol and a live cartridge collectively valued at Rs 30,200. The accused failed to produce a valid firearm licence, leading the Kapurbawdi police to register a case under the Arms Act and Maharashtra Police Act. The accused was also found violating prohibitory orders issued by the Thane Police Commissionerate, which remain in force until May 19.
The court remanded him to police custody until May 12. Investigators are now probing the source of the firearm and whether it was intended for use in any crimes.
