Ahmedabad Crime Branch seizes cache of illegal firearms, two history-sheeters held

The Ahmedabad City Crime Branch on Wednesday arrested two men with a history of serious offences, including murder, firing and cases under the Explosive Substances Act, after seizing a cache of illegal weapons and live cartridges from them.

According to officials, the operation was carried out as part of intensified security measures during the ongoing Navratri festival and ahead of Diwali. Acting on specific inputs, the Crime Branch team apprehended Mohammad Rashid aka Tipu Sultan (30), a native of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and Abdul Rafiq aka Tilli Abdul Hafeez Sheikh (43), a resident of Sodhan, Ahmedabad. The duo was picked up from near Cozy Hotel Road, Danilimda, opposite Shambhu Textiles.

Police seized two country-made pistols, three pistols and four live cartridges, collectively worth over ₹40,000, from the accused. A case under Section of the Arms Act and Section of the Gujarat Police Act has been registered at the DCB Police Station.

Officials said a third accused, Rehan Ansari, a resident of Kanpur, is wanted in the case.

Extensive criminal record

Investigators revealed that Rashid has been previously booked for multiple serious crimes. His record includes a 2013 case under the Arms Act and Explosive Substances Act at Danilimda police station, and charges of murder at Gangaghat police station in Uttar Pradesh. He has also faced cases under the UP Gangster and Anti-Social Activities Act and has been linked to the drug trade.

Co-accused Abdul Rafiq, too, has an extensive criminal history. Cases of rioting, robbery, violations under the Arms Act and the Jail Act have been registered against him in Danilimda, Ranip and Vatva police stations between 2006 and 2024.

Arms supply network

Preliminary investigation suggests that the accused were part of a larger network supplying illegal firearms in Ahmedabad and Uttar Pradesh. “Both the accused have been involved in the supply of weapons in Gujarat and other states. Their past involvement in serious crimes highlights their active role in organised criminal activity,” said Bharat Patel, ACP, Crime Branch.

Police officials added that further investigation is underway to trace the supply chain and nab other associates, including the absconding accused.