Bengaluru: The Central Crime Branch (CCB) sleuths have arrested two persons for allegedly procuring and supplying an illegal pistol along with 50 live cartridges in the city. The arrests were made following credible information about unlawful arms possession and trade.
The accused have been identified as Syed Masood (26), a resident of Siddapura and a sheep trader, and Javed Alam (19), hailing from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. According to police, Masood had allegedly procured a 0.32 mm pistol from Alam without possessing a valid arms licence.
Seizure of pistol and cartridges
Acting on specific inputs, the Central Crime Branch registered a case under the provisions of the Arms Act and launched an investigation. During the operation, officials seized one 0.32 mm pistol and 50 live cartridges from the accused.
Police sources said the weapon and ammunition were recovered from their possession during a targeted raid conducted by CCB officers.
Accused paid ₹45,000 for weapon
During interrogation, Syed Masood reportedly confessed that he had purchased the pistol for self-defence. He is said to have paid ₹45,000 to Javed Alam for the firearm.
Investigators are probing the source of the weapon and the supply chain to determine whether the accused were part of a larger illegal arms network operating across State borders.
Hunt for absconding associate
Further investigation revealed that another associate of Javed Alam is currently absconding. Police have launched efforts to trace and apprehend the third accused.
Officials stated that stringent action would be taken against those involved in illegal arms procurement and supply, as such activities pose a serious threat to public safety.
The accused have been booked under relevant sections of the Arms Act, and further investigation is under way to ascertain if more persons are linked to the case.