Home Department Clears Amitabh Gupta, Jalindar Supekar in Pune Arms Licence Row

The Maharashtra Home Department has found no irregularities in arms licences issued during their tenure, stating all approvals complied with legal provisions under the Arms Act, 1959 and Rules, 2016.

Pune | April 1, 2026: The Maharashtra Home Department has given a clean chit to senior IPS officers Amitabh Gupta and Jalindar Supekar in connection with allegations surrounding the issuance of arms licences in Pune, stating that no illegality was found in the approvals granted during their tenure.

The clarification comes amid heightened scrutiny following the Vaishnavi Hagawane suicide case, which had triggered widespread debate over the process through which arms licences were issued by the Pune Police. Questions had been raised regarding whether undue influence or procedural lapses were involved in granting permissions during the period when Gupta served as Pune Police Commissioner and Supekar held the post of Additional Commissioner of Police (Administration).

In its official response, the Home Department stated that all arms licences issued during the tenure of the two officers strictly adhered to the provisions laid down under the Arms Act 1959 and the Arms Rules 2016. Authorities emphasised that due process was followed in each case, and the approvals were granted by competent authorities after meeting all prescribed conditions.

The issue had also been raised in the state legislature, where Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis provided details in response to an unstarred question. According to the data shared, a total of 433 arms licences were issued by the Pune Police Commissionerate during Amitabh Gupta’s tenure. The government maintained that these licences were granted following legal scrutiny and verification procedures.

Allegations had surfaced earlier suggesting that Jalindar Supekar may have facilitated arms licences for certain individuals due to personal connections linked to the Hagawane case. However, the Home Department’s clarification has effectively dismissed these claims, indicating that no evidence of misconduct or deviation from legal norms was found.

Despite the clean chit, it is noted that both officers have been serving in relatively less prominent roles over the past two years, amid the backdrop of various allegations and administrative developments.

The Home Department also addressed separate allegations related to the assets of Jalindar Supekar and his relative, Senior Police Inspector Shashikant Chavan. It clarified that no complaints had been received by the Anti-Corruption Bureau against Supekar. Furthermore, an inquiry into Chavan’s assets found no evidence of disproportionate or illegal wealth, leading to the closure of that investigation.

The government’s statement is expected to bring temporary closure to the controversy, although the broader debate around transparency and accountability in arms licence issuance is likely to continue. The case highlights the importance of procedural integrity and oversight in sensitive administrative processes involving public safety.

Follow us On Our Social media Handles :
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
Twitter

Also Read- Pune