Bengaluru: The Central Crime Branch (CCB) of Bengaluru Police has arrested an alleged gunrunner from Madhya Pradesh who is accused of illegally manufacturing and supplying country-made pistols, following a months-long investigation that began with the arrest of a city-based businessman earlier this year.

The accused, Janjir alias Dinesh Patidar, in his late 30s, is a resident of Singhana in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district. He was arrested after the CCB secured a warrant from a Bengaluru court.

Investigation began with illegal pistol seizure

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh said the breakthrough came after the CCB arrested a businessman in February for possessing an illegal country-made pistol.

During interrogation, the businessman revealed that he had purchased the weapon from a supplier in Madhya Pradesh through two intermediaries. Acting on the information, CCB officers arrested the two agents and recovered two more country-made pistols.

Further questioning led investigators to Patidar, who was allegedly manufacturing and selling the firearms.

Accused went into hiding

Police said Patidar went into hiding after learning that the CCB was tracking him. Investigators then developed a local intelligence network to monitor his movements.

According to officials, Patidar recently returned to his village and resumed manufacturing illegal firearms, prompting the CCB to conduct a raid at his residence with the assistance of local authorities.

He was arrested, and police seized equipment and materials allegedly used to manufacture country-made pistols.

Illegal factory uncovered

Investigators said Patidar’s residence was functioning as an illegal firearm manufacturing unit.

Police have also learnt that he had previously been arrested in similar cases and that multiple court warrants were pending against him.

Following the raid, Dhar Police registered another criminal case against him for allegedly manufacturing and selling illegal firearms.

Earlier arrests exposed supply chain

The investigation gained momentum after the CCB arrested Syed Masood (26) from Jayanagar with a country-made pistol and 50 live rounds of ammunition. Police alleged that Masood had purchased the weapon for ₹45,000 through an agent after fearing threats linked to his personal life.

The subsequent arrests of the intermediaries ultimately led investigators to Patidar, who is now believed to be a key supplier in the illegal firearms network.

Further investigation is underway to identify others connected to the racket.