‘Gunsmiths no longer operate from villages or towns in Bihar’

Bihar Police will intensify efforts to curb the illegal supply of cartridges and dismantle the supply chain fuelling country-made weapons, additional director general of police, Kundan Krishnan, tells TOI's Kshitiz in an exclusive interview. Excerpts:
What is the reason behind Bihar's gun culture?
There was a time when several Maoist outfits, ultra-left-wing groups and caste-based militias formed by powerful landlords operated in undivided Bihar. They had their own armed forces, leading to frequent rivalries and violence between landlords and landless people mobilised by left-wing organisations. This influx of weapons into Bihar was witnessed from 1980 to 2005. Regular firearms were expensive, which gave rise to the production of country-made weapons. Many groups justified arming themselves as a means to fight for their rights. Also, booth capturing during elections was rampant, requiring a significant supply of arms and ammunition. Several gang leaders from that period eventually entered politics, further strengthening the gun culture.
What stringent measures are being taken to curb celebratory firing?
Police are cracking down on people who brandish firearms, whether licensed or illegal. Such offenders are being identified and their arms licences are being revoked. Police meticulously examine videos and photos of celebratory firing. If the perpetrators possess illegal weapons, they are arrested and cases are registered against them, leading to speedy trials.
Has there been any crackdown on illegal gun factories?
Bihar has very few licensed arms shops, but Munger has a long history of weapon manufacturing dating back to the Afghan era. When the East India Company took over Bengal, the Afghans made Munger their capital and brought skilled artisans to manufacture weapons. Earlier, Vardha village in Munger was notorious for country-made firearms. However, due to sustained police pressure, gunsmiths no longer operate from specific villages or towns. Instead, they manufacture weapons in remote areas like forests, agricultural fields and hill regions. The final polishing of country-made automatic weapons now takes place in Asansol, West Bengal. Currently, Bihar does not have any specific town or district known for illegal gun factories. However, the manufacturers, sellers and buyers of illicit firearms are arrested and cases against them are fast-tracked.
Recently, youngsters and even children have been seen carrying guns. What are your thoughts on this?
A child's discipline is shaped by three key influences — home, school and society. Govt schools have improved in terms of teachers and infrastructure. However, the rise of nuclear families, where both parents work, has led to increased loneliness among children and young adults. Social media also plays a role in glorifying such behaviour.
How can such trends be stopped?
Parents must closely monitor their children's behaviour. Laws should be enacted to hold parents accountable if their wards are found carrying firearms. Parents should engage with their children, discuss their issues and provide guidance to prevent them from being influenced by negative trends.