BAN ON CELEBRATORY FIRING OVERLOOKED?

LUCKNOW: The state government had in March issued strict instructions to DMs and SPs to ensure ban on celebratory firing in their respective districts. But the death of a 16-year-old youth in Sitapur district on Monday night indicates that no initiative was taken by the officers to implement the order. IG (public grievances) Ashok Mutha Jain said, “District police officers have been directed to take strict action against the erring cops. The police have arrested traffic inspector Ramdas and efforts are on to arrest the other traffic police personnel Avnendra Singh Tomar who is absconding,” he said. On March 9, DGP Javeed Ahmad had directed police officers to take strict measures to check celebratory firing. “Action will be taken against the officers who fail to implement the order,” he said. Deaths due to celebratory firing have been reported in various districts. During investigation, cops found that firing was done during marriage revelry or celebration of victory by supporters of candidates who won the legislative council election or local bodies’ polls. Taking serious note of this, the DGP directed the station house officers to display orders regarding ban on celebratory firing at all the guest houses, hotels, marriage spots and at public places. Along with registering FIR against people who flouted the order, the police officers will also cancel their licence. The Lucknow bench of Allahabad high court, in an order passed on February 23, said – it appears that authorities have been conveniently ignoring instructions issued by this court. Owners of marriage homes, hotels, guest houses, village pradhans and police officers need to be reminded again regarding order passed by this court to check celebratory firing. In every case of death or injury by firearm, police has to intervene whether written complaints is filed or not. Escalation of trend has to be arrested, the court observed.