MUMBAI: Unit 9 of the Mumbai Crime Branch exposed an illegal interstate arms supplying racket. Eight imported pistols in conjunction with 138 cartridges were seized by the police. .
After receiving a tip off, the officials laid a trap on the 30th of June and arrested a man who identified himself as Mitailal Chaudhari.
The arrested denounced are Mitailal Gulab Chaudhari, 53, a local of Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, Dawal Chandrappa Devarmani alias Anil, 34, who lived in Airoli, and Pushpak Jagdish Madvi, 38, a inhabitant of Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai.
In a critical operation, Senior Inspector Daya Nayak and his team from Unit 9 of the Mumbai Police acted quickly on critical intelligence received regarding an illicit arms deal within the city. The location for the trade was pinpointed close to PVR Cinema in MHADA Colony, a typically bustling zone in Juhu, making it a challenging environment for an undercover operation. The suspect, identified as Mitailal Chaudhari, was described as having a history of involvement in unlawful exercises, especially in the arms trade.
Recognizing the urgency and the potential danger posed by the arms deal, Senior Inspector Daya Nayak mobilised his team instantly. Under his command, Unit 9 is known for its ability in handling high-stakes operations and has a reputation for effectively disrupting criminal exercises in Mumbai.
A detailed plan was laid out to capture the suspect without causing alarm or imperilling civilians. The area around PVR Cinema was discretely studied, and plainclothes officers were deliberately positioned to mix in with the swarm. Surveillance teams kept an eye on all developments in and around the target area.
In a well-coordinated effort, the team surrounded Chaudhari, leaving him no room for elude. The element of surprise was on their side, and the suspect was quickly subdued without any resistance. Upon his arrest, Chaudhari was found in possession of a significant cache of illicit arms, affirming the intelligence received by the unit.
The arrest of Mitailal Chaudhari, led to the uncovering of more crucial details and evidence that could potentially dismantle a wider network of illegal arms distribution.
The meticulous examination led to the discovery of a stainless-steel pistol and seven live cartridges concealed on him. The presence of these items without a substantial permit was a clear infringement of firearms regulations and served as condemning evidence of his illicit exercises. “He did not have a licence and, therefore, he was taken to the unit office in Bandra. During interrogation, he revealed names of other persons whom he had supplied weapons with, earlier,” quoted Inspector Nayak.
The arrest of Mitailal Chaudhari, a key figure within the illegal arms exchange, has revealed significant details about his operations and the broader suggestions for public safety in Maharashtra. Known within criminal circles as “Hariom,” Chaudhari’s exercises are fundamentally centred on providing unlawful guns in Mumbai and its encompassing urban zones. Mitailal Chaudhari, alias Hariom, has built a reputation as a prominent supplier of illegal arms, with a network that ranges over Maharashtra. According to police authorities, his operations are extensive and well-coordinated, primarily targeting Mumbai and adjacent urban centres. Chaudhari’s modus operandi includes sourcing firearms from Uttar Pradesh, a state known for its dark advertisement of unlawful arms.
The weapons, regularly manufactured or obtained through illegal channels, are transported across state lines into Maharashtra. Once in Mumbai, these firearms are disseminated to different criminal elements, contributing to the city’s underground arms market.During the thorough cross examination following his capture, Chaudhari provided detailed confessions about his dealings. He admitted to having sold weapons to various criminals, underscoring the extent of his influence in the illegal arms market. His statements have been crucial in distinguishing potential buyers and collaborators in the trade of illicit guns.
Chaudhari has been supplying arms since 2010, and there are at least four cases against him in Uttar Pradesh.
A case has been registered against the accused under sections 3 and 25 of the Arms Act at the Juhu police station.
