The number of illegal weapons seized between 2014 and 2016 has seen an increase of almost 11.5 per cent from the previous figure of 32,319, the Lok Sabha was informed today.
In terms of seizures in 2016, Uttar Pradesh was followed by Madhya Pradesh with 3,709 seizures, West Bengal with 3,119 seizures, Rajasthan with 2,863 seizures among others, the data shows.
The number of illegal weapons seized in 2016 was 36,064, and in 2015 and in 2014 32,564 and 32,319 respectively.
In response to a question on whether the government was aware that fake licences were being made to sell arms and ammunition illegally in the country, the minister said two unauthorised licences were cancelled in August last year in Jammu and Kashmir.
"Further, a gang involved in making fake licences was busted by ATS, Rajasthan, and criminal cases against the culprits under relevant sections of the IPC and the Arms Act, 1959, were registered at police station SOG Jaipur and Sukher, Udaipur, Rajasthan respectively," he said.
The minister said the Delhi Police has also busted a number of gangs indulging in manufacturing and transporting of illicit firearms in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
Among the Union territories (UTs), Delhi recorded maximum seizures of 765 illicit weapons in 2016, but the numbers have gone down from 859 seizures made in 2014, he said.
"This ministry has issued necessary directives and guidelines to states and UTs in this regard. Besides, the ministry is maintaining a National Data Base of Arms Licences to keep the procedure of arms licensing under close observation and monitoring. An Unique Identification Number (UIN) is generated in the national data base for each licencee," the minister said.
The minister said as police and public order are state subjects, cases of illegal possession of arms and making of fake licences are dealt by the respective state governments under the relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Arms Act, 1959.
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