25 ‘pen pistols’ among cache of weapons seized in Meerut

The Delhi Police have unearthed an arms trafficking racket and an illegal firearms manufacturing unit in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut with the arrest of two suspects from near the Badli railway station in outer Delhi. A large cache of weapons, including hard to detect “pen pistols”, were seized from the accused, an official said on Saturday.

As per the police, the most concerning find was 25 “pen pistols” — compact and easily concealable firearms, designed to resemble ordinary pens. Officials added these weapons are particularly dangerous in crowded areas as these can evade routine frisking and are lethal if fired from a close range. The arrested suspects, Parvez (37) and Hasir (24), have a criminal history. According to the police, the breakthrough came on March 19 when they arrested Hasir, alias Shooter, from near the Badli railway station in Delhi.

A search led to the recovery of two semi-automatic pistols, one “pen pistol” and six live cartridges.

During interrogation, he revealed that he sourced weapons from a supplier based in Meerut, identified as Parvez, alias Farru. Armed with this information, a Crime Branch team travelled to Meerut and conducted a raid on March 26 at Parvez’s residence. He attempted to flee, but was caught after a brief chase, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Pankaj Kumar said in a press statement.

A search of the premises — particularly the top floor — revealed a fully functional illegal arms manufacturing setup. The police seized 24 “pen pistols”, 78 magazines and several firearm components, including barrels, slides and pistol bodies. Machinery, including a drill machine used in weapon fabrication, was also recovered, the DCP added.

Investigation revealed that Parvez was a repeat offender with a long history in illegal arms manufacturing.

He was previously arrested in multiple cases. In 2017, Parvez was arrested by the National Investigation Agency under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He was linked to the supply of weapons used in targeted killings by Khalistani terrorists and had spent nearly five years in jail.

Hasir has around 10 cases against him, including theft, and firing at a police team in Muzaffarnagar.