Last date for depositing licensed weapons ends, over 7K of 9K collected

Hyderabad: Any weapon holder with a threat perception can take exemption from the district election officer or collector for retaining their licensed weapon. This comes against the backdrop of the pre-election requirement of all owners surrendering this weapon to the police.

The police also directed the Indian Army personnel and VVIPs to surrender their personal licensed weapons to the local police station.

As per the data, the police have provided arms licences to around 9,000 VVIPs, including police personnel, political leaders and businessmen. Of the 9,000 weapons, more than 7,000 weapons have been deposited with the police, as of October 16.

A majority of the weapon holders were found to be residing in Jubilee Hills, Banjara Hills, Madhapur, Gachibowli and Cyberabad.

Madhapur DCP G. Sandeep said: “Even if Army personnel possess licensed weapons, they have to deposit them to the police. If any Army officer or VVIP family members have a threat, they can approach the district election officer or district collector, seeking exemption.”

In Hyderabad, the last date for depositing weapons was October 16. It was reported that 90 per cent of weapon holders deposited their weapons at their respective police stations and the final report is being collated.

Banjara Hills ACP Pasupuleti Subbaiah said most of the licensed weapon holders have deposited their weapons. “If anyone failed to deposit their weapons, we asked them to surrender immediately,” he said.

It was also reported that some of the weapon holders were out of the country and requested the police to grant additional time to deposit. Based on the passport details, the police will initiate action.