Case filed against Blinkit after police find criminals buying prohibited large knives on app
Police said the matter came to light during the investigation of some cases where people involved were found to have purchased knives through online platforms. No immediate reaction was available from Blinkit.
A case was filed against Blinkit by Delhi Police for allegedly selling knives that violate government-prescribed specifications after it was found that people involved in crimes had got them delivered online, an official said on Wednesday. Police found such knives listed for sale on Blinkit while looking for online platforms that sold such items. As per existing rules, knives with a blade length exceeding 7.62 cm and width beyond 1.72 cm fall are prohibited.
Police say matter came to light during probe of some cases
Police said the matter came to light during the investigation of some cases where people involved were found to have purchased knives through online platforms. No immediate reaction was available from Blinkit.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Darade Sharad Bhaskar said, "A case was registered on February 14 under relevant provisions of the Arms Act after it was found that certain knives being sold online were in violation of government notifications regulating blade size and specifications."
'Stanley knife' could be ordered through Blinkit
During verification, police found that a 'Stanley knife' could be ordered through the delivery platform. As part of the probe, police personnel placed an order and examined the product after delivery.
The knife was found to be manually foldable and exceeded permissible limits. Police said the blade measured around 8 cm in length and 2.5 cm in width, making it "illegal" under the law.
A case was registered and police teams conducted searches on February 15 at multiple dark stores -- small warehouses linked to quick commerce companies -- linked to the platform across Delhi and recovered 16 illegal knives.
32 more illegal knives were recovered
On February 16, the operation was expanded to a warehouse in Farrukhnagar in Gurugram, where 32 more illegal knives were recovered, taking the total recovery to 50, police said. The investigation is underway to examine supply chains, procurement sources and the role of individuals responsible for stocking and distributing the prohibited items. Notices may be issued to concerned entities as part of the probe.
Police said they are also in discussions with various online delivery platforms and have urged them to delist products that violate government notifications.