Liberal issuance of arms licences in Pune during 2021-23, 659 licences given but only 23 in 2024
Pune: A lot is being talked about crime in Beed district. It became clear that many history-sheeters were given arms licences. Licence holders formed criminal gangs.
In this backdrop, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amitesh Kumar cancelled 111 licences of criminals and those which were not renewed in 2024. Only those having hereditary rights and sportspersons were issued 23 licences last year.
In the previous three years, arms licences were issued liberally. During 2021-23, as many as 659 licences were given. Particularly, during the same period, not a single licence was cancelled.
The CP revealed this during a press meet held to give details about offences committed within the Police Commissionerate’s limits in 2024. Kumar has put strict restrictions on issuing new arms licences. Notices have been issued to 200 people about cancellation of their licences.
In all, 42 licences were given in 2024 before Kumar took charge. Later, only 23 licences were given only to hereditary right holders and players.
Around 4,500-5,000 citizens have been issued arms licences in the city till date. The highest number of licence holders are retired Army officers or bureaucrats followed by businessmen. Though many hold arms licences for self-defence, most of them flaunt it as a political or status symbol. Licences of such people were not renewed last year. Statistics revealed that no amount of influence worked in getting an arms licence last year.
In Pune district, 6,861 citizens have procured licences till date. They mainly include prominent politicians, rich farmers and industrial unit owners. The number of licence seekers has increased in proportion to land disputes.
Year/Arms licences issued/Cancelled
2024/23/111
2023/186 (42)/0
2022/279/0
2021/152/0
(42) in January 2024
