Mrudula Narale
In a major move towards stemming criminal activity, the Pune Crime Branch’s Unit-2 conducted a large-scale operation on June 15, 2025, in the Katraj zone, arresting three persons involved in the illegal possession of arms. The arrests constitute a vital breakthrough against illegal weapons dealing, promoting public safety within the city.
The accused, Aniket Sanjay Malpote (22) of Sutar Dara, Dattanagar, Kothrud; Gaurav Ganesh Telange (19) of Shivajinagar near Railway Station; and Nikhil Mukesh Tusam (19) of Yerwai Road, Kelewadi, Kothrud, were taken into custody after a carefully staged operation. Malpote, significantly, is a repeat offender, which creates doubts over his involvement in illegal activities over and over again. The operation reflects the police’s determination to address recidivism and break networks that pose a threat to community safety.
In the course of the raid, the Crime Branch team seized a large stock of illegal materials, totaling three country-made pistols, two other magazines, and nine live cartridges. Aside from the weapons, authorities also confiscated three mobile phones and a Honda Activa scooter, with the total cost of the seized materials estimated at ₹2,99,000. The arrest of the materials indicates the possible threat from the suspects and the urgent necessity for proactive law enforcement to avert violent offenses.
Case has been registered officially against the trio at Bharati Vidyapeeth Police Station under the Arms Act and the Maharashtra Police Act. The accusations demonstrate the gravity of the crime since illegal guns are a serious threat to public safety and are likely to fuel increased criminal activities. The police are currently following up on more investigations to determine the origin of the weapons, possible accomplices, and wider networks that conduct illegal arms deals.
This raid showcases the Pune Crime Branch’s watchfulness and foresight in curbing crime. Targeting the supply and circulation of illegal weapons, the authorities seek to cut off the source of violence and organized crime plaguing the area. The arrests serve as a firm warning to all those who deal in such illegal trade, stressing that the police are determined to uphold law and order and safeguard citizens.
The ongoing probe will bring to light further information regarding the suspects’ operations and their associations with other criminal groups. The police are keen to track the source of the recovered weapons and determine any possible use, which may avert crime. This initiative further demonstrates the intent to protect Pune’s communities from the risks of illegal arms trafficking.
The Katraj operation being a success is an indication of the success of focused policing and intelligence-based operations. It further proves the significance of cooperation between the community in providing information about suspicious activities to support law enforcement. Throughout the investigation, the Pune Crime Branch remains committed to making sure that all parties involved in illicit arms dealings are subjected to severe consequences so that the community at large becomes more secure.
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