The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Principal Sessions Court, commonly referred to as the MPID court, has rejected the plea of investment fraud accused Sayed Masood seeking the return of a .32-calibre pistol that was seized from him during the probe into the City Limouzines fraud. The court's order came after a detailed examination of the circumstances surrounding the weapon's confiscation and Masood's legal standing in the matter.
The .32 pistol had come into police custody as part of the investigation into the City Limouzines investment fraud case, which has implicated several individuals in what investigators allege was a large-scale financial scam targeting hundreds of investors across Maharashtra. Masood's application sought the return of the weapon on grounds that he was the registered owner and wished to have it returned pending the outcome of the trial.
However, the court found significant issues with the application. Records showed that Masood's firearm possession licence had expired well before the time of the application, raising serious questions about the legality of his continued ownership. Additionally, the court noted that Masood faces multiple other pending criminal cases, which further undermined his claim for the return of the weapon.
Legal experts said the rejection aligns with established judicial precedent under India's Arms Act, which mandates strict compliance with licensing requirements and gives courts wide discretion to withhold weapons from individuals with questionable credentials or multiple legal entanglements. The court observed that allowing the return of a firearm to someone with an expired licence and several active cases against them could pose a potential risk to public safety.
The City Limouzines fraud case continues to unfold in Mumbai's special courts, with investigators having attached numerous properties and frozen bank accounts linked to the operation. Masood remains in judicial custody as the prosecution prepares its next round of evidence submissions.
