Nagpur: Commissioner of Nagpur Police Amitesh Kumar, has taken strong measures to curb the growing “gun culture” in the city by suspending firearms licences. Since 2020, a total of 27 licences have been suspended, with 10 of them being revoked within the first five months of this year. The objective behind these actions is to make Nagpur an “arms-free” city, a report in a local English daily said.
According to the report, in addition to withdrawing permits from civilians who legally possess firearms, Kumar has initiated a rigorous campaign against all types of weapons in Nagpur, targeting both police stations and the Crime Branch. This crackdown has resulted in the registration of approximately 181 cases under the Arms Act, including a couple of cases involving firearms, after the Police Chief’s intervention.
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Wednesday 07 Jan. 2025
During hearings and appeals, Kumar justified the revocation of arms licences for individuals such as businessmen, social workers, and bookies by pointing to their past criminal records. It is estimated that a significant number of the approximately 1,900 to 2,000 arms licence holders in the city are currently under scrutiny by the Police Chief.
Kumar emphasized that the flaunting of licensed firearms, posting intimidating pictures with them on social media, or any other form of misuse that violates norms will not be tolerated. He stated, “Anyone with previous offences registered against them or instances of firearm misuse cannot hold such weapons, and therefore, their licences were cancelled.”
Kumar further explained that the Nagpur Police are strictly following a “zero tolerance” policy towards the culture of arms, particularly firearms. He assured that all legal procedures and hearings were conducted in accordance with the law prior to the suspension of any licence.
When questioned about how individuals with criminal records, including a top bookie, acquired firearms licences from his predecessors, the Police Chief refrained from commenting. However, he mentioned that individuals with a history of Arms Act violations are regularly monitored, and legal action is being taken against them with a fresh perspective. The Nagpur Police are conducting regular house and body searches of criminals and their hideouts in the city.
The proactive approach taken by Nagpur Police Chief Amitesh Kumar aims to create a safer environment by curbing the presence of firearms and other weapons in the city. With the suspension of firearms licences and strict enforcement of the law, the police department is actively combating the misuse and flaunting of firearms, ensuring the well-being and security of Nagpur’s residents.
