UP Police Uncovers Massive Irregularities in Licensed Arms Sales During Varanasi Range Drive
In a significant crackdown on irregularities within the licensed arms sales sector, the Uttar Pradesh Police has uncovered large-scale violations during a comprehensive month-long special verification drive across the Varanasi range. The operation, which was meticulously supervised by DIG (Varanasi range) Vaibhav Krishna on January 20, targeted districts including Jaunpur, Ghazipur, and Chandauli, with a primary focus on verifying cartridges sold by licensed gun shops over the past two years.
Joint Teams Uncover Widespread Discrepancies
A total of 17 joint teams, comprising police and administrative officials, were deployed for this intensive drive. The teams included seven in Jaunpur, six in Ghazipur, and four in Chandauli, each consisting of Circle Officers (COs), Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), Station House Officers (SHOs), and Sub-Inspectors (SIs). These teams conducted physical verifications of records maintained by licensed arms dealers and cross-checked them with actual buyers to ensure accuracy and compliance.
At various police stations, the identities and addresses of individuals listed as purchasers of cartridges were rigorously verified, revealing numerous inconsistencies and potential frauds in the sales documentation.
Specific Cases of Violations and Legal Actions
The drive brought to light several alarming cases of non-compliance and illegal activities. At Rajput Gun House in Kerakat, Jaunpur, records indicated the sale of 680 cartridges to three individuals. However, upon verification, only 265 cartridges were found to have been actually purchased, highlighting a significant discrepancy. Compounding this issue, the shop's license had not been renewed since 2021, leading to the registration of an FIR under the provisions of the Arms Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
In another instance, Jayhind Gun House in Jaunpur recorded the sale of 280 cartridges to an unidentified person, which also resulted in the filing of an FIR due to the lack of proper verification and documentation.
Pandey Gun House in Shahganj faced severe consequences as its license had not been renewed since 2011. This oversight prompted cancellation proceedings and the seizure of 11 firearms, underscoring the lax enforcement of regulatory requirements over the years.
Misuse of Firearms and Unauthorized Activities
The verification drive also exposed widespread misuse of licensed firearms. It was discovered that 41 license holders had used their weapons for celebratory firing or to scare animals, activities that are strictly prohibited under the law. Additionally, 16 individuals conducted unauthorized test firing of their weapons, leading to the suspension or cancellation of their licenses as a disciplinary measure.
In Chandauli, authorities noted excessive unauthorized purchases of cartridges by license holders, indicating a pattern of potential stockpiling or illegal distribution. At Chandauli Gun House, 1,061 cartridges were sold to nine individuals whose identities were not properly verified, resulting in the registration of FIRs, particularly for licenses that had not been renewed since 2021.
A particularly concerning case involved a license holder from Bihar who purchased 399 cartridges within a single year, prompting legal action due to the suspicious nature of such a large acquisition. Overall, 63 license holders were found guilty of celebratory firing or misuse of ammunition, while 25 others engaged in unauthorized weapon testing, reflecting a broader issue of non-compliance.
Actions in Ghazipur and Overall Impact
In Ghazipur, Singh Manufacturer's license had not been renewed since 2020, leading to the seizure and deposition of its seven firearms at the local police station. Furthermore, 20 license holders in the district were identified for misusing their firearms, adding to the tally of violations uncovered during the drive.
DIG Vaibhav Krishna summarized the findings, stating, "Irregularities involving 2,490 cartridges came to light in the Varanasi range, and seven FIRs have been registered as a result. We have also initiated action against 170 arms license holders for celebratory firing and illegal testing of weapons, demonstrating our commitment to enforcing strict compliance with arms regulations."
This extensive verification drive underscores the Uttar Pradesh Police's proactive approach to curbing illegal activities in the arms trade, ensuring public safety, and upholding the rule of law in the region.
