Pune Police, in a significant operation by the Crime Branch and Sinhagad Road Police, arrested nine individuals involved in the illegal trade of country-made pistols. The operation led to the seizure of seven pistols and 11 rounds of ammunition. The weapons were believed to be intended for serious criminal activities.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Nikhil Pingale disclosed the details during a press conference, accompanied by Assistant Commissioner of Police Ganesh Ingle.
The arrested individuals include Akash Bidkar, Subhash Margale, Sagar Dhebe, Aryan Kadale, Shubham Bagde, Ganesh Nikam, Tushar Mane, Balu Dhebe, and Tejas Khatpe. Notably, Bidkar, Dhebe, and Khatpe have prior criminal records involving severe charges.
The investigation began when a police patrol team led by Senior Police Inspector Rangrao Pawar received information from Constable Ganesh Chitte about Akash Bidkar being in possession of a pistol. Acting on the tip, the team detained Bidkar from the Erandwane area and seized a pistol along with a round of ammunition.
Upon interrogation, Bidkar revealed that he had purchased the weapon to settle a land dispute with his maternal uncle. Further inquiries exposed Subhash Margale’s involvement in facilitating the purchase. Bidkar admitted to obtaining the pistol from Sagar Dhebe, prompting the police to arrest Dhebe.
Dhebe confessed to acquiring seven pistols from Madhya Pradesh with the intent of avenging his friend Omkar Lokre’s murder. Lokre had been shot dead by Atharva Tarange during an attack on November 30. Dhebe, who sustained a bullet injury in the incident, admitted to distributing the pistols to various associates, including Subhash Margale, Aryan Kadale, and Balu Dhebe, while handing over two to Tushar Mane.
The operation involved coordinated efforts from the Crime Branch and Sinhagad Road Police. Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, Joint Commissioner Ranjankumar Sharma, Additional Commissioner Shailesh Balkawade, Deputy Commissioner Sambhaji Kadam, Assistant Commissioners Ganesh Ingle and Ajay Parmar, and a team of officers, including Senior Inspectors Pratap Mankar, Dilip Daingade, Rangrao Pawar, and other personnel, executed the operation.
