Maharashtra: Murder accused arrested with illegal pistol

Thane: The Anti-Extortion Cell of the Thane Crime Branch on Friday night arrested a history-sheeter and murder accused from Bhiwandi for allegedly carrying an illegal country-made pistol and live ammunition in violation of prohibitory orders enforced across the city.The accused, a resident of Kalher, was nabbed near New Kasheli Bridge on the Kalher–Thane road following a specific tip-off. "The accused has a serious criminal background and is also accused in a 2018 murder case registered at Narpoli police station under Sections 302 and 34 of the IPC," said senior police inspector Shailesh Salvi of the Anti-Extortion Cell.Salvi said a police team laid a trap and intercepted the accused and following frisking, allegedly recovered a country-made pistol and a live cartridge collectively valued at Rs 30,200. The accused failed to produce a valid firearm licence, following which the Kapurbawdi police registered a case under the Arms Act and Maharashtra Police Act. The accused was also found violating prohibitory orders issued by Thane Police Commissionerate, in force till May 19. Court remanded him to police custody till May 12. Investigators are now probing the source of the firearm and whether it was intended for use in any crimes.