Hyderabad: A businessman from the Charminar area was arrested on Friday for possessing an illegal pistol. The City Crime Station (CCS) Special Team said he planned to use it for threats and extortion.
The accused, Amjad Khan, had returned to Hyderabad after spending several years in Dubai. He started a business in the Charminar area. Police received specific information that he was flashing a pistol and intimidating people.
Investigators said Amjad bought a 0.7 mm pistol around ten months ago. He allegedly paid ₹80,000 to Avinash from Madhya Pradesh, using Amit from BHEL, Hyderabad, as the middleman.
Charminar trader illegal pistol linked to extortion disputes
Police said Amjad had several unresolved financial disputes. He planned to threaten his debtors with the pistol. If that failed, he allegedly intended to fire in the air to frighten them into paying.
Acting on credible inputs, CCS personnel detained Amjad and recovered the weapon. Police noted that their swift action prevented a possible shooting in the crowded Charminar area.
They have booked Amjad under the Arms Act. Investigations are underway to trace the weapon’s origin and network.
Officials urged the public to report any knowledge of illegal firearms. They stressed that community vigilance is crucial in averting serious crime.