Months after jail release, gangster held with US-made revolver

Months after being released from jail, a sharpshooter associated with the Hashim Baba gang was arrested with a US-made revolver by the Delhi Police for allegedly supplying illegal firearms. The accused, identified as Nadeem, alias Kaliya (41), was arrested from the Chandni Mahal area of Central Delhi.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Nidhin Valsan, Nadeem is a habitual offender with over 13 criminal cases registered against him, including charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), as well as cases of murder, robbery and violations of the Arms Act.

He is also listed as a history-sheeter at the Jafrabad police station and is known to be an active associate of several criminal syndicates, including the Chhenu, Nasir and Hashim Baba gangs.

Acting on specific intelligence, a police team laid a trap in the Gali Takhat Wali area late Sunday night. When confronted, Nadeem allegedly attempted to draw a pistol and flee, but was swiftly overpowered and arrested by the officers.

A US-manufactured revolver, four live cartridges and a magazine were recovered from his possession.

During interrogation, Nadeem confessed to his involvement in an illegal arms supply network. Based on his disclosures, two additional country-made pistols and 10 live cartridges were later recovered from a hideout in Chandni Mahal.

Despite facing serious charges, he resumed criminal activities shortly after his release in February this year, the officer added. Nadeem is suspected of sourcing illegal firearms from regions such as Munger in Bihar and parts of Uttar Pradesh, and supplying them to criminals across Delhi-NCR, Valsan said.