Thane cops seize four firearms, arrest three

In a bid to curb illegal sell of firearms, the Thane crime branch has on Thursday arrested three persons and seized a revolver, three country-made pistols and live cartridges from them. One of the seized firearms is believed to be manufactured in the Indian Ordinance Factory.

The crime branch received a tip-off that one Chetan Naik (28), a Kalyan resident, would arrive at Classic Hotel in Dombivli carrying a revolver. A team of police officials laid a trap and arrested Naik with a .32 bore revolver, believed manufactured in Indian Ordinance Factory. A case was regarding this has been registered at Manpada police station. The police also seized a 7.65mm pistol and two rounds. On the other hand, later, a country-made pistol was found on Durgesh Mhatre, Naik's friend. Mhatre has also been arrested.

The value of the seized weapons are estimated at Rs1,15,300. Both have been booked under relevant sections of the Arms Act.

In another incident, one Sonu Parihar (24) was found in possession of 2 country-made pistols and seven rounds of live bullets in Ulhasnagar. He was taken into custody.

"The revolver seized from Naik had the mark of manufacture from Indian Ordinance Factory. We are investigating if the mark is real and how he procured the firearm," said a senior crime branch officer.

"We suspect that they were into smuggling of weapons. Further investigation will reveal their roles," he added.