Delivery agent detained after air pistol found in bag left at BJP MLC’s office

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: A delivery agent was detained after a bag containing an air pistol was found at the Kranti Chowk contact office of BJP MLC, triggering a brief scare and speculation about a possible security threat.The bag was first noticed by staff members at the office late on Friday night. It was left behind by a youth who visited the premises earlier in the evening. Initially, the object inside was suspected to be a firearm, leading to concern among staff. However, the police later clarified that it was an air gun, which does not require a licence for possession.Police commissioner Pravin Pawar said there is no cause for panic. "The object found was an air pistol and not a conventional firearm. Such air guns do not require a licence. However, we are verifying the circumstances under which it was brought to the office," he said.According to sources, around 7pm on Friday, a youth carrying a schoolbag-like backpack entered the office, which sees a steady flow of visitors. After finishing his work, he left the premises but forgot to take the bag along. When the matter was brought to Kenekar's notice, he reportedly asked his staff to keep the bag safe, expecting the owner to return.As no one came forward to claim it, a staff member checked the bag on Saturday and found an object resembling a pistol inside. The police were immediately alerted. Officers went to the spot, conducted a panchnama, and seized the bag for inspection.DCP (Zone-I) Pankaj Atulkar told TOI, "We detained a youth, Ritesh Holkar, who left the bag containing an air pistol at the MLC's office. The preliminary probe revealed that he had purchased it online. At the Kranti Chowk police station, we registered an FIR under BNS section 125 against him."Investigators are examining CCTV footage and questioning the detained youth to ascertain whether there was any specific intent behind the incident. Further inquiry is underway.