Bengaluru: What started as a routine hotel checkout in Bengaluru’s JC Nagar has turned into a police investigation involving an American citizen, a loaded firearm magazine, and concerns over airport security screening procedures.
Arman Mutaahar, 34, an American citizen of Indian origin, was arrested on May 4 after police recovered a Ruger magazine containing seven live bullets from a hotel room he had vacated.
The case has raised questions about how the ammunition allegedly passed undetected through airport security scanners in both the United States and at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport.
According to investigators, Mutaahar claimed the bullets belonged to his licensed revolver in the US. During questioning, he reportedly told police that he had accidentally left the loaded magazine inside a trouser pocket before packing the trousers into his luggage, unaware that the magazine was still there.
Police said Mutaahar has no known criminal history and there is no evidence so far suggesting involvement in illegal activities. However, officials noted that bringing a loaded magazine into India violates the Arms Act.
Authorities have seized his passport, laptop, and mobile phone as part of the investigation. Police have also contacted the American embassy seeking details regarding Mutaahar and the firearm licence he claims to hold in the US.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (North Division) BS Nemagoud said the matter came to light after Mutaahar himself informed hotel staff that he had accidentally left behind the magazine under the cot in his room.
“After checking out, he called the hotel reception and informed them that he had forgotten a magazine containing bullets. He said he would return within a day or two to collect it. But when he did not return, the hotel staff became alarmed and handed over the magazine to JC Nagar police,” Nemagoud said.
Police later found that Mutaahar had arrived in Bengaluru during the second week of April and had initially stayed with his sister in RT Nagar. On April 27, he checked into a hotel on JC Road in Jayamahal for personal reasons and vacated the room the following morning.
When he failed to return to collect the magazine, the hotel alerted police, following which Mutaahar was summoned and arrested under provisions of the Arms Act.
