Pune: The Pune Police Commissionerate canceled 111 arms licenses over the past year, primarily for individuals with a criminal background or those who failed to renew their licenses on time, Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar revealed during a press conference. Kumar also disclosed that only 23 new licenses were issued in 2024, specifically to heirs and sportspersons.

Providing an overview of actions taken in 2024, Kumar highlighted a stricter approach to arms licensing in the city. He stated that the police department had issued a total of 5,500–6,000 arms licenses to date, with 279 licenses granted in 2022 and 228 in 2023. However, under the new guidelines and rigorous scrutiny in 2024, only 23 licenses were approved.

Crackdown on Lapses in Arms License Renewals

A total of 111 licenses were revoked for non-compliance. Kumar explained that individuals with a criminal history or those who failed to renew their licenses on time were given sufficient notice to explain their situation.

"Those who did not respond within the given timeline had their licenses canceled. Additionally, nearly 200 more license holders have been issued notices, and their licenses will also be canceled if valid explanations are not received," he said.

Kumar also noted a concerning trend in the prior administration, where arms licenses were issued liberally without thorough vetting. "It is noteworthy that no licenses were revoked in the two years before I assumed charge," he added.

Stricter Arms Licensing Policy

Under the new guidelines, the issuance of arms licenses has been limited to individuals with legitimate needs, such as heirs of deceased license holders or sportspersons. This move aims to maintain tighter control over firearms in the city, ensuring public safety while curbing misuse.

The crackdown on lapses in arms licensing comes as part of a broader initiative by the Pune Police to enforce stricter regulations and enhance accountability.