A Pune-based police officer, Sushil Hagawane, has been remanded to police custody by the Pune sessions court after being implicated in a fraudulent weapon licence scheme. Hagawane, formerly posted in the special branch of Pune police, is accused of issuing forged licences using a duplicate of the police commissioner’s official seal.
The scam came to light after internal irregularities were flagged during a routine inspection of firearms documentation. Following the discovery, Pune police registered a formal complaint, resulting in Hagawane’s arrest. Investigators allege that Hagawane not only facilitated the issuance of fake licences but may have done so in collusion with other unidentified individuals.
Forgery and Official Seal Misuse
Police sources revealed that Hagawane had access to confidential documentation processes and is suspected of replicating the signature and seal of a high-ranking police official. The forged licences, now confirmed as invalid, were allegedly issued to multiple individuals, some of whom are also being questioned.
During his initial questioning, Hagawane reportedly provided limited information. Authorities are now investigating whether the fake licences were used for criminal activities or transferred to third parties. Police have seized forged documents and communication records as part of the expanding probe.
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Larger Network Suspected
While Hagawane remains in custody, the scope of the investigation is widening. The Pune police are trying to trace the beneficiaries of the fake licences and whether any arms have been purchased or used based on these forgeries. Officials hinted at possible links to organized crime or parallel weapon rackets, though they refrained from confirming further details pending forensic examination.
Pune Police Commissioner’s office has stated that internal review mechanisms are being strengthened to prevent similar frauds in the future. Disciplinary proceedings may also follow depending on the outcome of the investigation.
About the Author – Anirudh Mittal is a B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) student at National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, with a keen interest in corporate law and tech-driven legal change.