Delivery executive held for flashing illegal pistol on social media

The Delhi Police arrested a 19-year-old delivery executive from Dwarka who was allegedly carrying a country-made pistol and displaying photographs with the weapon on Instagram and WhatsApp to create fear and influence among his peers. The arrest was made by the Anti-Auto Theft Squad (AATS) of Dwarka district following sustained social media patrolling and technical surveillance.

The accused, identified as Sameer, a resident of Suraj Vihar, Kakrola, was apprehended from Sector 17, Dwarka. A loaded country-made single-shot pistol and one live cartridge were recovered from his possession. Police said he was allegedly on the way to commit a crime when he was intercepted.

Dwarka district Deputy Commissioner of Police Ankit Singh said the arrest was part of a focused drive against budding criminals misusing social media platforms to glorify weapons. “We are keeping a close watch on individuals who flash illegal arms on social media to intimidate others or project themselves as criminals. Such acts will not be tolerated, and strict legal action will be taken,” he said.

According to police, the AATS team had been directed to monitor social media accounts, including profile pictures on Instagram and WhatsApp, where young individuals were seen posing with firearms. During routine monitoring, one such Instagram account displaying photographs of a youth holding a weapon came to the notice of the team. Technical inputs were developed, and local intelligence was activated to identify the person behind the account. After days of surveillance and verification, the team zeroed in on Sameer and tracked his movements.

Police said Sameer was apprehended after discreet surveillance. During frisking, officers recovered the illegal firearm and ammunition. A case under Sections 25, 54, and 59 of the Arms Act was registered at Dwarka North police station.

During interrogation, Sameer told police that he worked as a delivery boy with a private grocery delivery company. He claimed that he had procured the weapon for “personal safety” during late-night deliveries. However, investigators said he also admitted that he used to show the weapon to friends and upload photographs on social media to portray himself as a “badmash” and gain influence in his locality.

Police said the accused disclosed that the country-made pistol had been arranged through a person identified as Monu, a resident of Mangolpuri. Efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the supplier of the weapon. Officials said the accused had no previous criminal record, but his online behaviour and possession of an illegal firearm posed a serious threat to public safety.