2,200% rise in illegal gun recovery since 2008 polls

NEWDELHI: There has been 2,200% increase in the recovery of illegal weapons in the first 28 days of the model code of conduct (MCC) since it was enforced ahead of the 2020 Delhi Assembly Elections compared to 2008, shows the Delhi Police data. In fact, the number of illegal firearms recovered this time far exceeds the combined figure of all election years since 2008, said Sharat Kumar Sinha, deputy commissioner of police (election cell).

While the number of illegal firearms recovered during the MCC period in 2008 was just 19, in 2013 it was 80 and in 48 in 2015. In sharp contrast, 452 such weapons have already been recovered between January 6 and February 2. The MCC will be in force till February 12.

These recoveries come amid criticism of the Delhi Police for failing to prevent a spate of firings at people protesting against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). In a period of four days, three such incidents were reported from Jamia Nagar and Shaheen Bagh, which are at the centre of protests against the controversial citizenship law.

When the model code of conduct is enforced, district authorities ask licenced weapon holders to deposit their guns, on an individual basis, mostly depending on the threat they pose to free and

Recovery of illegal weapons

Recovery of illegal liquor (in litres) 27,000

Unexplained cash

FIRS under Excise Act

Deposited licenced firearms fair elections. On January 28, when a man carrying a licenced gun was caught by protesters at Shaheen Bagh, the local police had said he wasn’t among those asked to submit their weapon.

This time, over 7,000 licenced weapon holders in Delhi deposited their firearms with the police during the model code of conduct, DCP Sinha said.

In 2008, 486 licencees had deposited their firearms. In 2013, the figure stood at 1,660 and rose to 1,407 in 2015 (see box).

Recoveries of illicit liquor and unexplained cash have also seen a substantial spike. More than 85,000 litres of illicit liquor has been recovered in the run up the February 8 elections, a sharp increase from 27,000 litres in 2008.

In terms of seizure of unexplained cash, ₹4.68 crore have

19

NA

275

486

80

31,000

~1.76 cr

401

1,660

48

35,000

~33 lakh

272

1,407

already been seized.

452

85,000

~4.68 cr

903

7,040

‘HIGH INTENSITY POLLS’ DCP Si nha at t r i buted t he increase in recoveries and police action during the MCC to “an increase in the intensity” of electioneering. “To counter that, we have specialised teams conducting frequent raids,” he said.

Vi k r a m S i n g h , f o r mer Director General (DGP) of Uttar Pradesh Police, said the increase in influx of weapons, liquor and cash into Delhi this election season was because the stakes are much higher this time as compared to the previous years.

“No other state is going to polls at this time. So, all parties are diverting their money and muscle to Delhi,” Singh said, adding that seizures were indicative of “pro-active” police action.