Bhubaneswar: Acting on the model code of conduct enforced by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure smooth conduct of the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections scheduled to begin from April 11, the Commissionerate Police have asked gun licence holders in Bhubaneswar to deposit their firearms within a week.
As per information of the Commissionerate Police, out of a total of 1702 gun licence holders in the state capital city, 580 have deposited their firearms. These include revolvers, pistols and 12 bore guns. Out of these, 58 firearms have been deposited at the Khandagiri police station, 55 in Laxmisagar police station, 53 in Nayapalli police station, 44 in Badagada police station and 48 in Jatni police station.
“Notices has been served on the remaining 1122 gun licence holders to submit their firearms within a week, failing which, appropriate action would be initiated against them,” DCP Anup Sahu told the media on Thursday. However, he said the Commissionerate Police will consider the matter if any license holder complains about a threat to his/her life.
The DCP further said the police has also started a special drive to arrest habitual offenders, criminals, and NBW (non-bailable warrant) accused at the booth level.
Between February 1 and March 11, The Commissionerate Police have arrested 684 NBW accused, seized 137 grams of brown sugar and arrested 15 persons under NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act. Apart from this, seven gun peddlers have been arrested. Ten pistols and 16 rounds of live cartridges have been seized from them, Sahu informed.
“Besides, special emphasis is being given on early execution of pending warrants, recovery of illegal arms, timely completion of the investigation into the pending cases. Steps are also being taken to strengthen proper enforcement of Excise and NDPS related cases,” he added.
