THE possession of firearms has long been considered a status symbol among highly placed citizens and many of these firearms holders are found posting their pictures with pistol on social media platforms. With approximately 1,982 firearms licence-holders in Nagpur, City Police officials are keeping a vigilant eye on those who flaunt this privilege. It has come to light that there is a fierce competition among citizens to obtain firearms licences.

 

A staggering 470 persons have applied for such permits in the six months. Character verification process is mandatory to get the firearm licence. Of these 470 applications, a significant number of applicants were found to have past criminal records which resulted in cancellation of their licence applications and only 17 out of the 470 applicants were approved. The process for obtaining a firearms license in Nagpur can be initiated through online applications on the NDAL (Nagpur District Arms Licensing) website or in person at either the Police Commissionerate. Once an application is received, it undergoes scrutiny and character verification by the relevant police station and Deputy Commissioner of Police.

 

Further feedback is provided by the Deputy Commissioners of Crime Branch and Special Branch, an intelligence gathering wing of City police. Final decision of issuance of the licences rests in the hands of the Police Commissioner. A police official said that firearms licences are primarily issued to persons who can demonstrate a genuine need for self-defense due to potential life-threatening situations.

 

 

COMMISSIONER of Police Amitesh Kumar said, the arms licence-holders are under strict scrutiny of City Police. More than 50 arms licences were cancelled in the last three years and show cause notices have been issued to many licence-holders, he said.