Celebratory firing incidents come down in Sangam city

ALLAHABAD: Incidents of celebratory firing killing or injuring people in the district have come down in the last few months after police acted tough against those involved in the illegal act. Only two such incidents have taken place here this year so far.

“All SHOs and inspectors have been given clear instructions to take strict action against persons who are found indulged in celebratory firing during marriages and other occasions. Gun licence of such persons will be cancelled and FIR will be lodged against them,” superintendent of police (city) Siddarth Shankar Meena told HT.

However, despite the ban on firing during weddings and other occasions by the Allahabad high court, incidents of celebratory firing are often reported from different parts of the district. Many people died in celebratory firing during the last few years as the police failed to strictly implement the ban on use of firearms during joyous occasions.

Sometimes even bride and grooms and their close relatives became victims of celebratory firing. It takes place not only in villages but also at marriage halls in city area. This despite the fact that owners of marriage halls have also put up boards banning the entry of arms and celebratory firing but the instructions are often ignored.

In January 2016, a video went viral which showed a former MP’s minor son firing with a pistol during a marriage.

The MP was seen sitting next to his son encouraging him to fire more shots. However, the muscleman turned politician later claimed that the weapon was a toy pistol.