Fake Arms Licence Racket Exposed in Pune After Lonavala Threat Case, Raises Serious Security Concerns

Fake arms licence of a habitual offender exposed after Lonavala threat case in Pune, triggering concerns over verification lapses and public safety.

Pune, January 30, 2026: A major breach in arms licence verification has come to light in Pune after police uncovered that a habitual offender was carrying a fake arms licence, following a threat incident in Lonavala. The revelation has raised serious questions about background checks, document authentication, and the potential risks such lapses pose to public safety in Maharashtra.

The case surfaced after a woman approached the police, alleging that she had been threatened with a firearm during a dispute in the Lonavala area. CCTV footage of the incident, which later circulated on social media, prompted swift police action. When the accused was traced and questioned, he produced what appeared to be a valid arms licence, initially claiming he was legally authorised to carry a weapon.

However, deeper scrutiny by the police exposed the licence as forged.

According to investigators, discrepancies in the licence number, issuing authority details, and address information raised suspicion. Police verified the documents with the concerned arms licensing office, which confirmed that no such licence had ever been issued. Officials further revealed that the accused had allegedly used false residential documents, forged affidavits, and fabricated address proof to apply for the licence.

The accused, identified as a repeat offender, is believed to have intentionally concealed his criminal history while applying for the arms permit. Police records indicate that multiple cases were previously registered against him at different police stations over the years, information that should have disqualified him from obtaining a firearm licence.

Following the discovery, police registered fresh cases against the accused under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including cheating, forgery, and using forged documents, along with provisions of the Arms Act. A separate case has also been filed in connection with the threat incident in Lonavala.

Law enforcement officials said the weapon involved is being examined to determine whether it was illegally procured and whether it has been used in other criminal activities. Investigators are also probing whether the accused acted alone or if a larger fake arms licence racket is operating in the region.

Experts warn that the circulation of fake arms licences poses a grave threat, particularly at a time when authorities are already dealing with complex security challenges. From managing traffic safety issues highlighted by cases like the Ahmedabad road accident, to handling global uncertainties such as the West Asia crisis involving Iran and Israel, policing systems are under constant strain.

Just as aviation authorities must reassess safety protocols during geopolitical tensions affecting routes like the Air India Mumbai–London flight, arms licensing systems also require robust oversight. Any loophole that allows firearms to reach individuals with criminal backgrounds can have devastating consequences.

Security analysts and former police officials have emphasized the need for a centralised digital arms licence database, accessible to police stations across districts and states. Such a system would enable instant verification and prevent offenders from exploiting jurisdictional gaps.

“A fake arms licence is not a clerical error; it’s a serious public safety threat,” said a retired senior police officer. “There must be accountability at every stage — from document verification to licence issuance and periodic audits.”

Pune Police have initiated an internal review of recent arms licences issued within their jurisdiction to identify potential irregularities. Authorities have also urged citizens to report any suspicious behaviour involving firearms and assured strict action against anyone found facilitating or ignoring such violations.

Officials stated that lessons from this case would be used to strengthen verification mechanisms and prevent similar incidents in the future.

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