Delhi Police arrested Nadeem, alias Kaliya, a 41-year-old sharpshooter of the notorious Hashim Baba gang, in Chandni Mahal, central Delhi, on July 20, seizing a US-made pistol and four live cartridges. The arrest, following a tip-off, disrupted an arms trafficking network linked to the gang, with Nadeem facing over 13 criminal cases, including murder, robbery, and charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Nidhin Valsan identified Nadeem as a history-sheeter under Jafrabad police station, known for ties with the Chhenu, Nasir, and Hashim Baba gangs. During a Sunday night operation in Gali Takhat Wali, Nadeem attempted to flee and draw his weapon but was swiftly apprehended. A subsequent search of his hideout uncovered two country-made pistols and 10 additional cartridges, with no valid license for any weapon.

Nadeem’s criminal history began with an Arms Act arrest in 2005, escalating in prison where he joined organized crime networks. He allegedly murdered Athar Abbas in 2017 and, after joining the Hashim Baba gang, engaged in extortion and arms trafficking, sourcing illegal weapons from Munger, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. Despite a 2019 MCOCA charge, Nadeem resumed criminal activities after his February 2025 jail release.

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The Hashim Baba gang, led by jailed gangster Ashim (Hashim Baba), has been linked to high-profile crimes, including the 2016 Karkardooma court shooting and the 2024 murder of gym owner Nadir Shah. Police are investigating Nadeem’s recent activities, suspecting connections to a broader arms syndicate fueling gang wars in Delhi’s northeast.

This arrest marks a significant blow to the gang’s operations, with ongoing probes to dismantle its illegal arms network.

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