In a significant breakthrough, the Pune police have busted an illegal weapon trade racket, arresting nine individuals and recovering seven country-made pistols and 11 live cartridges. The joint efforts of Unit 2, Unit 3, and Sinhagad police led to the crackdown.

According to the police, the accused had procured the weapons from a firearms dealer in Madhya Pradesh. The investigation revealed that the pistols were meant to be used in a dispute over land in Dharashiv district.

The police have identified the accused as Akash Baliram Bidkar, Sagar Janu Dhebe, Subhash Balu Margale, Tushar Dilip Mane, Tejas Mohan Khatpe, Balu Dhondiba Dhebe, Shubham Dinesh Bagade, Ayran Vishal Kadale, and Ganesh Jyotiram Nikam.

The police stated that the accused had a history of criminal records, and the recovery of the pistols and cartridges has prevented a potential murder. An FIR has been lodged against the accused under relevant sections of the Arms Act and the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita.