In a major victory against illegal arms trafficking, the Mira-Bhayander-Vasai-Virar Crime Branch has successfully dismantled an arms supply ring operating in and around Vasai. The operation led to the arrest of eight men who were involved in supplying illegal weapons, including nine country-made pistols and 21 cartridges, to a Vasai-based mechanic. The seized items, along with five mobile phones linked to the network, have an estimated worth of ₹4 lakh.
Tip-Off Leads to Initial Arrest
The investigation began when officers from Crime Branch Unit 2 received a tip-off about an individual possessing illegal firearms. Moin Sayyed, also known by his aliases Younis and Jalebi, was identified as the main suspect. With a prior history of criminal activities, Sayyed’s involvement in illegal arms sparked immediate interest. Following the lead, a team led by Inspector Shahuraj Ranware located Sayyed in Vasai’s Koliwada area and apprehended him, recovering one illegal pistol in the process.
Discovery of a Larger Arms Cache
Upon questioning, Sayyed revealed that he had obtained the pistol through unlawful means, even admitting that it was stolen from a house in Koliwada. This statement prompted the officers to search the said house, leading to the arrest of its owner, identified as Javed Iqbal Khan. Further inspection of Khan’s property uncovered two additional pistols, indicating that the case was far from isolated.
Expanding Investigation Uncovers More Suspects
The police did not stop with Sayyed and Khan. Further interrogation revealed a more extensive network that stretched beyond Vasai. Khan, who worked as a mechanic, provided critical information that implicated several other associates. Following these leads, the police successfully tracked down and detained six additional suspects. These individuals were arrested from various locations, including Vasai, parts of Mumbai, Gujarat, and Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh.
The arrested men have been identified as:
- Moin Sayyed (aliases: Younis, Jalebi Abuyan Sayyed)
- Javed Iqbal Khan
- Mohammad Arif Yusuf Khan (alias Shahrukh)
- Ankit Rambujarth
- Nishad (alias Ankit Patel)
- Amit Vijay Nishad
- Amit Kumar Mahajan Nishad
- Alam Khan (alias Aleem Jhulkarnain Khan)
- Deva Ajay Kumar Prajapati
Each of these suspects had a role within the arms supply chain, from acquisition to distribution, making it a complex operation to dismantle.
Motive: Criminal Intent Tied to Upcoming Elections
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Madan Ballal, who played a key role in overseeing the investigation, stated that the group had plans to smuggle the seized weapons into Mumbai. According to Ballal, the suspects were planning to use these arms for criminal activities related to the upcoming elections. By preemptively arresting the gang members, the police were able to thwart any potential crimes that could have endangered public safety and disrupted the election process.
“Our team acted swiftly on intelligence gathered and managed to intercept these criminals before the weapons could reach their intended destinations,” ACP Ballal explained, commending the officers for their vigilance and proactive approach. “This operation has undoubtedly prevented possible crimes that might have jeopardized the security during the election period.”
Nationwide Reach of Investigation
The Mira-Bhayander-Vasai-Virar police department’s success in apprehending these suspects underscores the collaborative nature of law enforcement operations. The investigation involved officers from multiple locations and is ongoing, as the police continue to search for additional members of the network. A special team has been dispatched to other states to locate the kingpin, who is believed to orchestrate the arms supply chain behind the scenes.
Implications for Local Communities
This incident has raised concerns among residents in the Vasai and surrounding areas. The discovery of a local arms supply ring has highlighted the risks associated with illegal weapons circulating within the community. Many residents are now expressing relief, knowing that the police have acted to neutralize a significant threat.
“This is unsettling to hear,” said one Vasai resident. “But I’m thankful the police acted so quickly. It makes you feel a little safer knowing they are watching out for us.” Local leaders have echoed this sentiment, urging citizens to cooperate with law enforcement efforts to maintain peace and security in the area.
Police Emphasize Community Cooperation
The Mira-Bhayander-Vasai-Virar police are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. ACP Ballal emphasized the importance of community cooperation in tackling crime effectively. “Our ability to keep neighborhoods safe depends on residents coming forward with information,” he noted. “This operation is a reminder of how critical it is for the public to work hand-in-hand with the police.”
Looking Ahead: Ongoing Investigations and Reinforcements
The police force has intensified its focus on curbing the movement of illegal arms and is considering additional measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. Officers are also collaborating with law enforcement agencies in neighboring states to trace the origin of the seized firearms and identify any interstate connections that may contribute to the illicit arms trade.
While this recent bust has sent a strong message to those involved in such illegal activities, law enforcement officials acknowledge the need for constant vigilance. The authorities are likely to implement further surveillance and crackdowns in high-risk areas, particularly as election periods draw near, which often see a spike in unlawful activities.
Conclusion
The successful dismantling of this arms supply gang in Vasai is a testament to the dedication of the Mira-Bhayander-Vasai-Virar police. Their swift action not only led to the seizure of dangerous weapons but also prevented potential crimes that could have posed serious threats to public safety. As the investigation continues, local communities are encouraged to remain proactive, vigilant, and supportive of law enforcement efforts.
With the police working tirelessly to uncover more about this arms network, Vasai residents can feel reassured that those who threaten the community’s safety are being closely watched.
