What appeared to be a routine road accident on Navi Mumbai’s Palm Beach Road near Seawoods turned into a major seizure of suspected narcotics and arms in the early hours of Friday. According to traffic police officials, the incident took place near Akshar Signal around 4.30 am, when officers on night patrol received a call regarding the accident.
The NRI police team examines the vehicle on Friday. PICS BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Senior Police Inspector Mohini Lokhande from the traffic department said the vehicle is suspected to have met with the accident due to a tyre burst. The case took a suspicious turn as the occupants of the vehicle vanished before the police team reached the accident spot.
Cop Speak
The revolver and live rounds that the police recovered
Devendra Pol, senior police inspector, NRI police station
A case has been registered under relevant BNS sections and the NDPS Act against Ganpat Bishnoi and Sanjay Bishnoi. The route and destination are still unknown as both remain absconding. We are probing whether the SUV was part of a larger illegal transportation network operating through Navi Mumbai and neighbouring regions. A search operation has been launched to trace the accused, and examination of the suspected narcotics, chemicals, and firearm is underway.
Abandoned after accident
After receiving information about the accident on Palm Beach Road, police teams rushed to the spot and found that the heavily damaged Rajasthan-registered vehicle (RJ 19 CK 4207) had been abandoned by its occupants — driver Ganpat Bishnoi, and Sanjay Bishnoi.
Arms recovery
Upon initial examination of the vehicle, the police team recovered a revolver, along with six live cartridges from the glove compartment, leading to a more detailed examination.
Seizure of contraband
Upon examining the vehicle further, the police recovered 10-15 kg of a substance suspected to be opium from the rear portion of the SUV. Officers also found 20-25 kg of chemical substances packed inside bags. They are yet to determine the nature and intended use of these.
Probe transferred
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Following the recovery, senior police officials reached the scene and reviewed the developments. The vehicle and all seized materials were handed over to the NRI police station for further investigation.
Illustrations/Uday Mohite
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