Pune, 25 September 2025: Pune airport police detained Vaishali Vaibhav Doshi (44), a sevika practising Tantra Vidya from Baramati with roots in Kurduwadi, Solapur, after she was found carrying an unlicensed pistol and two live cartridges.
The incident happened around 6 pm on Tuesday while she was boarding an Air India Express flight to Delhi via Indore, marking the second such security lapse at the airport within three days.
The woman, who is associated with an akhada in Varanasi, was released after being issued a notice to appear for further investigations when summoned. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone IV), Somay Mundhe, said the firearm was illegal and contained live ammunition. He explained that since it was late and the person was a woman, they issued a notice rather than arresting her immediately.
Police said the pistol and cartridges were detected when the woman handed her handbag for screening at the baggage counter. The operator noticed the weapon on the screening machine and raised an alarm. CISF personnel, along with airport authorities, detained her and escorted her to the airport police station for questioning.
Airport security screener Jayendra Shirodkar confirmed that Doshi did not have a license for the firearm and refused to explain where it came from. Officers suspect the weapon may have been brought from Uttar Pradesh and kept in her purse when she entered Pune airport.
The airport police continue to investigate the matter, focusing on the source of the firearm and her intent in carrying it. Authorities are also reviewing security procedures after two such incidents occurred at Pune airport within a short span.
