In a significant law enforcement operation, the Delhi Police apprehended two individuals on Christmas Eve in outer north Delhi, seizing a bullet-proof SUV and two country-made pistols. The arrest, which occurred during a routine vehicle check at Mukarba Chowk, highlights the increased security measures in the capital.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Deepak Maan, 37, and Ankit alias Hunny, 25. According to police reports, the integrated checkpoint, comprised of local police, PCR staff, and traffic personnel, noticed the suspicious SUV due to its tinted windows. Upon further inspection, authorities discovered the loaded country-made pistols.
During the initial investigation, both Deepak Maan and Ankit claimed the weapons were for self-defense, citing rivalries in their village as the reason for possessing the firearms. However, police records indicate that Deepak Maan has a criminal history, with four prior cases registered against him, including one for murder. Maan also claimed ownership of one of the recovered pistols.
The police have registered a case against the two men under the Arms Act, and a thorough investigation is currently underway. Authorities are working to determine the source of the weapons and whether the suspects have any connections to organized crime or other illicit activities.
The seizure of a bullet-proof SUV along with illegal firearms raises concerns about the potential for increased criminal activity in the region. Bulletproof vehicles are often associated with individuals who perceive a high level of threat, either from rival criminal groups or other potential adversaries. The fact that the vehicle was intercepted with illegally possessed firearms further underscores the seriousness of the situation.
The Delhi Police have been actively working to crack down on the illegal arms trade in the capital. In a similar operation last year, police arrested members of an interstate arms supply gang who were using social media platforms to facilitate their transactions. These individuals were found to be procuring arms from Khargone in Madhya Pradesh and supplying them in Delhi/NCR.
The recent arrest of Deepak Maan and Ankit serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining peace and security in Delhi. The police have reiterated their commitment to proactively addressing criminal activity and ensuring the safety of all residents. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as authorities delve deeper into the case.
