Two arrested in Mumbai, firearms seized

Mumbai, Feb 4 (PTI) In two separate cases, CrimeBranch officials have arrested an alleged member of ChhotaRajan gang, and a Bihar-based supplier of firearms from thecity, seizing 17 pistols and ammunition.

Acting on a tip-off, a trap was laid and Zuber Jamaadar(34), a member of Rajan gang, was arrested from outsideGhatkopar Railway station on Wednesday, Joint PoliceCommissioner (Crime) Himanshu Roy told reporters today.

A 0.38 foreign-make pistol, 56 cartridges -- including 50prohibited bore'' 9mm weapon bullets used by the police or thearmed forces, which can not be used by civilians -- wererecovered from him, Roy said.

Zuber was a close aide of Farid Tanasha, who was killedlast year allegedly by members of Bharat Nepali gang, Roysaid.

Zuber was believed to have procured the pistol fromTanasha, police said.

Such weapons are usually smuggled into the country viaNepal and Bangla Desh, Roy said.

In the other case, a Bihar-based weapons supplier ManoharGupta (35) was arrested from suburban Bhandup last night,police said. .

As many as 16 country-made pistols of different types and ten rounds which had been brought from Chapra in Bihar wereseized from his possession, Roy said.

There is a new "trend" in the underworld, where aweapon-supplier comes to the city and sells firearms to thehighest bidder, he said.

"Gupta did not arrive here to hand over the weapons toa particular person or a gang. The accused says he sells theweapon for Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000," Roy.

With the seizure of the weapons, many crimes which couldhave happened otherwise have been averted, Roy claimed.

Further probe was on.