Nagpur: The Nagpur Crime Branch arrested a 24-year-old alleged criminal in Dharampeth and seized two country-made pistols, 14 live cartridges, four empty magazines, two mobile phones and an Activa scooter in a late-night operation. The total value of the seized material has been estimated at ₹1.30 lakh.
The arrested accused has been identified as Yogesh Yadavalal Siria, a resident of Gawlipura, Sadar. He was reportedly wanted in an earlier Arms Act case registered with Jaripatka Police Station.
According to police, Crime Branch’s Anti-Vehicle Theft Squad received a tip-off that Siria was carrying firearms and had kept several cartridges in the storage compartment of his red Activa scooter, bearing registration number MH-31-FJ-6747. He was allegedly standing outside Anand Xerox Centre in Dharampeth.
Acting on the information, the police team reached the spot, laid a trap and detained Siria. During the search, police allegedly recovered two country-made pistols, 14 live cartridges and four empty magazines, along with two mobile phones and the scooter.
Police alleged that Siria used to openly display firearms, demand money from people and create fear in the locality.
During questioning, Siria allegedly told police that he had purchased the weapons from a person identified as Ajju Gate, a resident of Gondwana Chowk. Police are verifying the source of the firearms.
According to police records, Siria was wanted in connection with an Arms Act case registered at Jaripatka Police Station. On August 29, Jaripatka Police had arrested Akash Rajan Thapa with three country-made pistols in the same case, while Siria had allegedly remained absconding.
Sitabuldi Police have registered a fresh case against Siria under relevant provisions of the Arms Act and Maharashtra Police Act. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the firearms and whether they were used in any other criminal activities.
The operation was conducted by PI Dilip Chandan and team members Roshan Tiwari, Nitin Verma, Vilas Kokate, Ajay Shukla, Rahul Kusrame, Abhay Dhone, Kishor Somkunwar and Vivek Kawadkar, along with Cyber Cell PSI Vivek Zhingre and his team.
