Police in Maharashtra’s Dombivli area of Thane district discovered a significant amount of illegal arms and counterfeit money hidden in a concealed location. A 55-year-old man, identified as Surendra Pandurang Patil, was arrested in connection with the case by the Kalyan Unit-3 of the Thane Crime Branch after a tip-off.
The raid took place in Dombivli East’s Davdi area, where the accused had allegedly set up a secret compartment inside a residential building to store the weapons. The concealed space, found on the terrace of a five-storey building, was accessible through a lift duct and hidden behind a slipper rack in a specially designed cavity.
During the search, the police uncovered three country-made pistols, one revolver, seven country-made firearms (kattas), 405 live cartridges, and 167 pellets. Additionally, sharp weapons such as two swords, three sickles, knives, and iron rods were seized from the location. Fake currency notes amounting to Rs 3.52 lakh were also found in the possession of the accused.
The total value of the seized items is estimated to be around Rs 12.21 lakh, as confirmed by officials. Surendra Pandurang Patil, the arrested individual, has a history of criminal activities with multiple cases registered against him in the past. Further investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of the weapons and the purpose behind the cache.
“We are investigating whether the arms were intended for specific criminal activities or part of a larger conspiracy. We are also looking into the possible involvement of other individuals in this network,” stated a senior police officer. The accused has been detained, and legal proceedings are being initiated.
