NRAI Faces Legal Action in Bhopal Over Alleged Ammunition Sales Violations
A significant regulatory breach has emerged in Bhopal following a detailed investigation that revealed the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) allegedly sold ammunition to competitive shooters without properly recording these transactions in their mandatory arms licenses. After thorough verification of these irregularities, the Ratibad Police officially registered a case against NRAI under the stringent provisions of the Arms Act.
India's Premier Shooting Sports Body Under Scrutiny
NRAI serves as India's foremost governing body for shooting sports, overseeing rifle, pistol, and shotgun shooting disciplines across the nation. The organization holds official recognition from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Indian Olympic Association, and the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). Top-tier national and international shooters regularly compete under its prestigious banner, making these allegations particularly concerning for the sporting community.
Investigation Uncovers Systematic Documentation Lapses
An investigation team, acting under official orders, conducted physical inspections of imported weapons and meticulously reviewed documents belonging to elite shooters. Their findings sent shockwaves through the competitive shooting world — NRAI, which is authorized under Arms Rules to operate as an arms and ammunition dealer, was allegedly selling cartridges to athletes while completely bypassing mandatory record-keeping protocols.
The investigation spotlight fell particularly on two prominent shooters:
- Aslam Parvez, son of the late Abdul, had discharged significantly more rounds during a local shooting event than his arms license officially documented. When questioned by police authorities, he openly admitted that NRAI had supplied the additional cartridges directly at the shooting range, with no corresponding entries made in his license.
- Sulem Ali, son of Noman Ali Khan, participated in the 11th West Zone Shooting Championship held in Bhopal during 2024. Despite purchasing ammunition from NRAI on-site, his license remained completely blank regarding cartridge purchases, indicating a clear documentation failure.
Clear Violation of Established Arms Regulations
Arms Rules explicitly mandate that every single cartridge sale must be meticulously logged in the shooter's official license. According to police statements, NRAI systematically flouted this critical requirement, illegally supplying ammunition to multiple athletes without maintaining proper documentation. A comprehensive review of attached reports and shooting histories confirmed this troubling pattern — unrecorded sales effectively fueling competitive shooting events.
Prima facie evidence strongly indicated violations of Section 25(1)(b)(1)/30 of the Arms Act. Consequently, authorities formally registered a case against NRAI, initiating a full-scale investigation into these serious allegations.
NRAI's Official Response to the Allegations
When contacted regarding these developments, NRAI officials stated they had not yet received the official First Information Report (FIR). A senior NRAI representative commented, "The shooters mentioned in the investigation report maintain clear records with our organization and all other relevant authorities. Now that specific details have been provided, we will extend our full cooperation to the investigating agencies."
This case raises significant questions about regulatory compliance within India's shooting sports ecosystem and highlights the importance of stringent documentation practices for ammunition transactions, particularly for an organization of NRAI's stature and responsibility.
