Special Correspondent
In response to the escalating threat of illegal firearms in the state, the Maharashtra government has announced a comprehensive initiative to audit weapon licenses and conduct inspections of ammunition manufacturing factories. This move aims to address the growing concerns around unlawful weapons circulation and ensure tighter control over firearms in the region.
The Home Department revealed that a high-level committee will be formed, headed by the Chief Secretary, to develop an “Action Plan” to counter the issue. This decision follows recent high-profile incidents involving criminal gangs, such as the pistol gang in Beed, linked to the murder of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, and a machete gang causing havoc in Pune. The government is taking immediate steps to counter such criminal activities.
The new committee will be chaired by the Chief Secretary and will include senior officials such as the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, the Director General of Police, the Principal Secretary of the Law and Justice Department, and a ballistic expert. The committee will meet annually to assess and address the issue of illegal arms trafficking and its impact on law and order in Maharashtra.
Concerns have been raised over discrepancies between licensed weapons and their actual holders, which have contributed to escalating law enforcement issues. The Home Department has also noted an uptick in air gunfire incidents and weapon-related intimidation at the grassroots level. A review of weapon licenses in districts like Thane and Beed has revealed a significant presence of unregistered firearms, but the exact sources of these weapons remain unclear.
Committee’s Objectives
The committee will be responsible for preventing the illegal transport and smuggling of arms and ammunition within Maharashtra. It will also gather intelligence on illegal weapon manufacturing and trafficking operations, taking steps to disrupt these activities. Additionally, the group will conduct audits and inspections of weapon factories operating without valid licenses.
Further, the committee will propose stricter measures to combat the illegal arms trade, ensuring enhanced enforcement of weapon regulations across the state. Maharashtra currently has 93,520 active weapon licenses, according to the Home Department’s 2023 data.
This bold initiative by the Maharashtra government signals a determined effort to curb the illegal arms trade, reinforce public safety, and restore order across the state.
