Delhi Police seize automatic pistol, 15 rounds ahead of Independence Day; one arrested
New Delhi, August 13: A 27-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday evening in north-west Delhi after police recovered an automatic pistol and 15 cartridges from his possession during a routine security check ahead of Independence Day. The accused has been identified as Salman, alias ‘Pahalvan’, a resident of Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh.
The arrest was made by a team from the Mukherji Nagar police station during preventive patrolling and checking on Surjeet Singh Marg in Vijay Nagar. The police team, operating under heightened security arrangements for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations, signalled a car bearing a Uttar Pradesh registration number to stop around 8 p.m. According to officials, the driver and his passenger attempted to flee towards the NDPL office but were chased and apprehended. The driver managed to escape, while Salman was caught at the spot.
A search of Salman’s person led to the recovery of an automatic pistol and 10 live cartridges. Five additional cartridges were later found from the dashboard of the vehicle, bringing the total ammunition seized to 15 rounds. The vehicle was also taken into custody.
Police said the accused has a previous criminal record, with cases of robbery and snatching registered against him in the past. A case under Section 25 of the Arms Act has been registered at the Mukherji Nagar police station. Investigators are now working to trace the absconding associate and determine the source of the weapon and ammunition, as well as the intended use.
The incident comes as Delhi Police, along with other security agencies, have intensified surveillance and patrolling across the national capital in the run-up to Independence Day on August 15. Enhanced security protocols, including vehicle checks, frisking, and drone monitoring, have been put in place at key locations, markets, and border areas to prevent any untoward incidents.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. The recovery of a sophisticated automatic pistol, which is not commonly available through legal channels, has raised concerns among security officials about the circulation of illegal weapons in the region. Investigations are ongoing to trace the supply chain and any potential links to larger criminal networks.
The public prosecutor is expected to seek police remand for Salman to facilitate further questioning. Legal experts note that possession of an automatic pistol and ammunition without a valid licence is a serious offence under the Arms Act, carrying a maximum punishment of up to seven years in prison. Repeat offenders face stricter penalties under the law.
This arrest underscores the continued efforts of law enforcement to ensure a secure environment for citizens during national celebrations. While police have not confirmed any specific threat, the seizure is seen as a precautionary measure taken as part of regular security drills. The escape of the driver remains a key focus of the investigation, and police teams have been deployed to nearby districts to track his whereabouts.
Senior officers have reassured the public that adequate measures are in place to handle any challenges. They also emphasised the importance of community cooperation in maintaining peace and order. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
