The Special Cell of Delhi Police has arrested two men linked to a Madhya Pradesh-based interstate firearms supply racket, an official said on Saturday.
The accused, identified as Murtaza Khatri (31) and Wasim Qureshi (25), were arrested in Burari, north Delhi, and 15 semi-automatic pistols were recovered from their possession.
“The accused were arrested, and the firearms, mobile phones, and SIM cards used in the illegal operation were seized,” said Krishan Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell).
According to the officer, the duo had arrived in Delhi to deliver a large consignment of illegal arms to a local contact.
Both Khatri and Qureshi, natives of Badwani district, Madhya Pradesh, sourced the weapons from a supplier in their home state. While Khatri was carrying eight pistols, Qureshi had seven concealed in his bag.
During interrogation, the duo confessed to being involved in the arms trade for the past four to five years.
They revealed that they procured firearms for about ₹15,000 each and sold them for around ₹25,000, mainly to criminals in Delhi and the NCR. The seized consignment was meant for a contact named Roshan.
Police said both accused have extensive criminal backgrounds. Khatri has been booked in eight previous cases, including theft, assault, and gambling, while Qureshi faces six cases, including assault, criminal intimidation, and theft.
“This operation is part of our ongoing efforts to dismantle arms syndicates operating from Madhya Pradesh and supplying weapons to Delhi-based gangs,” DCP Kumar said.
A case has been registered under relevant provisions at the Special Cell police station. Further investigations are underway to trace the source of the weapons and identify other members of the syndicate.