More criminals take to firearms

Hyderabad: The city crime scene has taken a different turn with more criminals using guns in different parts of Hyderabad. Of the three incidents in the last three weeks two were robberies and one was an extortion attempt.

Days after ex-Greyhounds commando Obulesu opened fire with an AK-47, two gun wielding gangs looted people in the city. Though there were crackdowns on illegal firearms in the city in earlier years by the police, especially the Commissioner’s Task Force, this year there were no such efforts.

Sources said that some old criminal gangs, who are out of prison now, have firearms. Since police surveillance on them is not enough they could easily procure and keep firearms. Several people, including rowdy sheeters, robbers, realtors, and even traders now have illegal firearms in the city. “A majority of the illegal arms are smuggled from other states.

These country made weapons are available in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and some other North Indian states. These people smuggle it into Hyderabad,” said a source.

Since getting a license for a gun is a long process many purchase illegal weapons. “As per law there is a long process to issue arms license to the general public. When a person applies for license there would be a thorough checking of his background and requirement for the weapon. For a commoner it’s almost impossible to acquire a licensed weapon,” said a top police official from South Zone.

Experts say that if illegal weapons increase in the city there will be serious consequences for law and order. The city can turn more crime prone, despite the Telangana government trying to make it safe by upgrading the police.