Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The local crime branch (LCB) in Dharashiv district arrested two men, both with criminal records, and recovered four country-made pistols and three live cartridges from their possession during an operation carried out on Monday.
Arrested Individuals Identified
The arrested were identified as Balaji Baban Kale, a resident of Kalyan Nagar in Bhoom taluka, and Ashru alias Bhurya Bhima Kale (30), a resident of Jamb village in Bhoom taluka.
Police Statement on Seizure
Superintendent of police Ritu Khokhar Kalyan said the seizure was the largest firearms recovery made by the district LCB to date. “We are committed to identifying the source of such firearms and dismantling networks involved in their supply and circulation. Strict action will continue against those possessing or trafficking illegal arms,” she said.
LCB inspector Vinod Ijjapwar said that the action was carried out based on a specific tip-off. It was Ijjapwar's team that laid a trap near the Salunkhe Nagar arch on the Bembli-Dharashiv road and found that the accused were travelling on a motorcycle from Dharashiv towards Bembli while carrying illegal firearms. In the presence of independent witnesses, the team waited at the specified location and intercepted the duo.
“During a search conducted in the presence of panch witnesses, police recovered four iron-made country-made pistols fitted with black grips and three live cartridges,” said Ijjapwar.
Value of Seized Items
The seized firearms, ammunition, and motorcycle are collectively valued at Rs 2.94 lakh. After undergoing medical examination, the accused were booked at Dharashiv City police station under relevant provisions of the Arms Act for illegal possession of firearms and were handed over to the local police for further investigation, said LCB API Amol More.
