Pune Police Crime Branch busted a network of nine people for possessing illegal firearms, including the main supplier. The network was uncovered after the first suspect was arrested on January 11, 2025, near DP Road, Erandwane.

The arrested accused have been identified as Akash Bidkar (24) of Dattawadi, Tushar Mane (20) of Ambegaon Budruk, Balu Dhebe (27) of Phaltan in Satara district, Subhas Bahu Margale (24) of Vadgaon Budruk, Sagar Dhebe (24) of Hadapsar, Tejas Khatpe (26) of Katraj, Aryan Kadale (19) of Budhwar Peth, Subham Bagade (24), and Ganesh Nikam (25), both residents of Satara.

According to the police, on January 11, Crime Branch Unit 3 received information that one of the habitual offenders, Bidkar, had country-made pistols and was currently located at DP Road. Acting on the tip-off, the police set up a trap, and Bidkar was arrested by the crime branch. A country-made pistol and a live cartridge were found with him.

So far, 111 illegal pistols seized in 2024

During interrogation, Bidkar revealed the name of the supplier. Consequently, the network was busted, and the main supplier of firearms, Sagar Dhebe, was arrested by the police.

Nikhil Pingle, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch), speaking to FPJ, said, "The prime accused, Sagar Dhebe, had supplied all seven pistols to other accused across the city. We arrested the first suspect on January 11, and after the first arrest, other linked people were arrested one by one from across the city."

"Sagar had bought all seven pistols and 11 live bullets from a dealer in Madhya Pradesh for a nominal charge of 40,000 per piece and sold them to others. The manufacturing model of the guns is the same. The dealer does not stay at any particular place. So far, 111 illegal pistols have been seized in 2024. Our team is investigating the matter, and the goons involved in the supply of these illegal arms in the city could be arrested soon," he added.