Ahmedabad man who got illegal pistol, cartridges from UP arrested

The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has arrested a 24-year-old man from the Vatva area for allegedly possessing an illegal firearm and live cartridges without a valid licence or permit, police said on Thursday.

The accused, identified as Wasimbhai alias Raja Dawoodbhai Sindhi, a resident of Vatva, was apprehended during a patrol operation following a tip-off about an individual carrying an illegal weapon.

A a team of police personnel led by Head Constable Manorathsinh Gambhirsinh and other staff members were on patrol in the Vatva area on June 5. During the patrol, the team received information around 4 pm that a man wearing a white shirt with red and green designs and blue jeans was walking along Canal Road from the Vatva crematorium towards Sadani Dhaba carrying an illegal pistol.

Acting on the information, the police team reached the location and intercepted the suspect near Ambar Heights on Canal Road.

A handmade iron pistol concealed at the back of the waistband of the accused’s trousers was recovered. Further checking of his pockets led to the recovery of four live cartridges.

Officials said the pistol’s magazine and chamber were found empty. The weapon, bearing markings resembling 'Star Model'. The handle was fitted with brown fibre grips featuring metal star emblems on both sides.

Police estimated the value of the seized pistol at ₹25,000, while the four live cartridges — marked 'KF 7.65' — were valued at ₹150 each, taking the total value of the seized items to around ₹25,600.

Sindhi allegedly failed to produce any licence or permit authorising him to possess the firearm or ammunition.

During preliminary questioning, the accused reportedly told police that he had obtained the pistol and cartridges about 15 to 20 days ago while attending a wedding in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, where an unidentified person from a nearby village sold the weapon to him at a cheap price.

Police seized the weapon and ammunition, sealed them. A case has been registered against Sindhi under section of the Arms Act for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Officials said further inquiries are under way to ascertain the source of the weapon and whether the accused had any links to illegal arms suppliers or criminal activities.