Pune Firearm Licenses Cleared: No Irregularities Found in 433 Permits
In a significant development, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has officially stated that no irregularities were detected in the 433 firearm licenses issued during the tenure of former Pune police officials Amitabh Gupta and Jalinder Supekar. This declaration came through a written reply submitted to the state assembly, providing clarity on a matter that had been under scrutiny for months.
Background of the Review
The review of these firearm licenses was initiated in May 2024 following serious allegations against former Additional Commissioner Jalinder Supekar. It was alleged that Supekar had attempted to shield the family of former NCP functionary Rajendra Hagawane after his daughter-in-law, Vaishnavi Hagawane, committed suicide over dowry demands. Additionally, accusations surfaced that Supekar had assisted the Hagawane family in acquiring gun licenses in 2022 despite the submission of misleading residential documents. At the time, Amitabh Gupta served as the Pune Police Commissioner, overseeing the licensing process.
Official Findings and Statements
Chief Minister Fadnavis presented the written reply on July 8, 2025, with the questions and answers formally tabled during the current assembly session. The reply explicitly stated, "The licensing authorities were found to have adhered to all the terms, conditions and provisions of Arms Act, 1959, and Arms Rules, 2016, while issuing these licences." This conclusion underscores that all due processes were followed meticulously, dispelling any concerns of procedural lapses.
In response to the findings, Jalinder Supekar expressed relief, stating, "The truth has come out. We had followed all the norms." Meanwhile, attempts to reach Amitabh Gupta for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls from the media.
Implications and Broader Context
This outcome highlights the thoroughness of the review process ordered by the Chief Minister, which aimed to ensure transparency and accountability in firearm licensing. The adherence to the Arms Act and its rules reaffirms the integrity of the licensing system in Pune, setting a precedent for similar cases across the state. The resolution of this matter also addresses public concerns regarding potential misconduct, reinforcing trust in law enforcement procedures.
As the session continues, this development is expected to influence discussions on public safety and regulatory compliance, emphasizing the importance of rigorous oversight in firearm management.
