Acting on a tip-off, the Crime Detection Team intercepted the suspect near SNDT College on Relief Road in Santacruz West around 12.45 am on January 5, 2026
Representational Image
The Santacruz Police arrested a 53-year-old man and seized an illegal country-made pistol during routine checking and patrolling conducted in view of the upcoming BMC elections 2026.
Accused intercepted near SNDT College after tip-off
Acting on a tip-off, the Crime Detection Team intercepted the suspect near SNDT College on Relief Road in Santacruz West around 12.45 am on January 5, 2026. The accused, identified as Vijay Narayan Dhokarkar (53), a resident of a slum area in Vile Parle, allegedly attempted to flee after spotting the police but was apprehended following a brief chase.
Country-made pistol, magazine and live cartridge recovered
During a personal search, police recovered a country-made pistol, one magazine and a live cartridge from his possession. As the accused failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for possessing the firearm, a case was registered against him under Sections 3 and 25 of the Arms Act.
Case also booked under Maharashtra Police Act
In addition, sections 37(1)/135 of the Maharashtra Police Act were invoked for violating the arms prohibition order issued by the Mumbai Police Commissioner.
Accused is a habitual offender with multiple cases
Police records reveal that Dhokarkar is a habitual offender with multiple cases registered against him in the past, including theft, robbery and NDPS-related offences at Santacruz, Vile Parle and Bandra Railway Police stations.
Operation conducted under senior officers’ supervision
The operation was carried out under the guidance of Dikshit Gedam, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 9), and the supervision of Senior Inspector Yogesh Shinde and Police Inspector (Crime) Chandrakant Kamble of the Santacruz Police Station. Assistant Police Inspector Sanjay Kalhatkar and his team executed the action.
Probe on to trace source of weapon
Further investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the firearm and its intended use.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
