Nagpur: The Crime Branch Unit 5 has arrested two men for illegally possessing firearms in Khaparkheda area during late-night patrolling between August 26 and 27. Police seized two pistols, seven live cartridges, vehicles, and mobile phones worth a total of ₹4.57 lakh from their possession.

According to officials, around 11:30 pm on August 26, the team received a tip-off that a man was carrying a weapon on Kamptee–Khaparkheda Road. Acting swiftly, they laid a trap and detained the suspect, identified as Zhangursing alias Vicky Sarnagate (27), resident of Mahajan Nagar, Tekadi Coal Mine, Parseoni, Nagpur. A search in presence of panch witnesses led to the recovery of a firearm with a magazine, two live cartridges, his two-wheeler, and mobile phone, collectively valued at ₹1.12 lakh.

In another operation around 1:30 am, police intercepted a man near Bhani Gaon Square, Parseoni Road. The accused was identified as Sumeet Sanjay Sonawane (29), resident of Deolapar under Paoni Police Station, Ramtek, Nagpur. A search of his car revealed a firearm and five live cartridges. Police also seized his four-wheeler and mobile phone, valued at ₹3.45 lakh.

Investigations suggest both accused were in possession of firearms with the intention of committing a serious cognizable offence, while also violating prohibitory orders. Separate offences under Section 3/25 of the Arms Act and Section 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act have been registered at Khaparkheda Police Station.

The arrested men, along with the seized weapons and valuables, have been handed over to Khaparkheda Police for further investigation.

This action was carried out under the guidance of CP Ravindra Kumar Singal, Jt. CP Navinchandra Reddy, Addl. CP (Crime) Vasant Pardeshi, DCP (Detection) Rahul Makanikar, and ACP (Crime Branch) Abhijeet Patil, with the efforts of PI Sandeep Buwa, API Vijay Gite, Ganesh Kadam, PSI Rahul Rote, and the Unit 5 team.