Ludhiana: No fresh applications for arms licences will be accepted in Ludhiana till February 28, as a Special Investigating Team (SIT) is reviewing the previous licences issued by the city police. A notice to this effect has also been put up at the police commissioner’s office.
According to officials, the SIT formed by commissioner of police Rakesh Agarwal is reviewing if the arms licences issued so far were as per the laid down norms and also verifying the documents submitted by the licence seekers.
The SIT—comprising joint commissioner of police (headquarters) J. Elanchezihan, deputy commissioner of police (law & order) Ashwani Kapur and assistant commissioner of police (licensing) Ranjit Singh—has already started the review work, which could lead to cancellation of some licences, the officials said.
According to sources, the SIT was formed after a complaint was filed by a man, alleging that while he was not being issued a licence, many others were holding the same, which were obtained on fake documents and without valid reasons. The team is trying to verify the veracity of the claim.
There are approximately 18,000 licensed arms holders under Ludhiana commissionerate.
Joint commissioner of police J Elanchezihan, who is heading the SIT, said, “We have completed the review of nearly 40% of the total licences. During the review, we are checking all details, which have been put under various categories, like gender, profession, income, educational qualification, etc, besides the reason for obtaining the licence. We are checking if the reason or threat, as cited by the person while applying for the licence, still exists or not.”
The officer said if the SIT finds any discrepancy in the information shared by the licence holders or it does not find the reason for acquiring weapons valid enough, their licences would be cancelled. “We are hoping to complete the review before February 28, so fresh licence applications are not being accepted till then,” he added.