Builder-influencer ‘pookie don’ arrested in Thane, pistols, 371 cartridges seized

A 55-year-old builder and social media influencer, known as ‘Pookie Don’, has been arrested in Maharashtra’s Thane district for allegedly possessing a large cache of illegal weapons.

According to reports, the accused, Surendra Panduranga Patil, was arrested on March 28 in Dombivli, days after securing bail in another case. Patil, who has over three lakh followers on Instagram, is also listed as a history-sheeter.

Acting on a tip-off, the Crime Branch reportedly searched his bungalow in the Dawdi area and discovered a concealed weapons stash hidden behind a newly installed fake shoe rack panel that appeared inconsistent with the house interiors.

Police reportedly recovered five country-made pistols and revolvers, some engraved ‘Made in USA’ along with two air guns, 371 cartridges, 167 air gun pellets, a sword, a button knife, another sharp-edged weapon, and two steel rods. The total value of the seized items is estimated at around ₹10 lakh.

While Patil reportedly claimed the weapons were merely props for his gangster-style social media videos, investigators are probing whether he was assembling a “mini-army” or supplying arms to local criminal networks.

A case has been registered against him under relevant provisions of the Arms Act and the Maharashtra Police Act.