31 cases of misuse of licensed firearms since Jan 2018: Cops

LUCKNOW:While reviewing the use of licensed firearms in the state capital, police have found that these weapons were misused in at least 31 incidents, including 13 cases of suicides, since January 2018. Police said licensed weapons were also used in three murders, nine murder attempts, one case of loot, three incidents of rioting and firing in air, as well as three cases of accidental firing in this period.

Senior superintendent of police (SSP), Lucknow, Kalanidhi Naithani, said in a press statement, “A total of 31 licensed guns were used for illegal activities from January 1, 2018 to September, 2019. Taking a strict stand against misuse of licensed firearms, the city police have initiated the process of cancellation of these weapons.”

Appealing to people to “shed their passion for firearms”, the SSP said that in many cases, they had proved fatal for the license holder himself or his family members. “The police officials concerned are directed to clear and recommend issuing of firearms licenses in cases where it is very necessary, and carry out the verification properly,” he said.

Naithani said that police were making all efforts to check the gun culture and ensure that licensed firearms were used only in emergencies. “Our drive is also aimed at stopping illegal sale of cartridges at firearms shops, which are then used with country-made weapons by criminals,” he said.

He said that FIRs were also lodged against four firearms licence holders after they failed to provide details of used cartridges. “Their weapons were seized on September 27,” said the SSP.