Pune, 23rd June 2026: Police Crime Branch has arrested an alleged illegal firearm supplier who was reportedly using social media platforms to buy and sell country-made pistols.
The accused, identified as Shaikh Ahmed alias Bablu Suraj Sayyed, a resident of Bibwewadi in Pune, was apprehended from a village in Latur district after a targeted operation by the Anti-Extortion Squad.
According to police, Bablu had been on the radar in connection with multiple cases registered at Parvati, Khadak and Wagholi police stations. Investigators suspect that firearms supplied by him were used in several firing incidents reported in Pune in recent years.
Acting on a tip-off that the accused was hiding in Latur, the Crime Branch team laid a trap and took him into custody. During questioning, police discovered that he allegedly uploaded photographs with firearms on Instagram and used the platform to establish contacts for the purchase and sale of pistols and ammunition.
The investigation further revealed that Bablu was allegedly in touch with illegal firearm suppliers from Umarthi village in Madhya Pradesh. Police believe he acted as a middleman, connecting buyers with suppliers and facilitating the procurement of country-made pistols.
During the operation, police seized five pistols and seven live cartridges collectively valued at around ₹1.98 lakh. Officials are now investigating whether the accused possesses additional firearms and identifying the individuals to whom he may have sold weapons.
Police said the probe is continuing to uncover the full extent of the accused's network and his possible involvement in other crimes across the state.
