Licensed weapons in demand for Ggn women too

Gurugram: There seems to be a high demand for citizens in Gurugram applying for licenced weapons. Over 600 applications are received on monthly basis by Gurugram Police for licenced weapons in which only 150 get the approval. Of late, there has also been a rise in demand for licenced weapons by women citizens.

Not only is there a huge number of new applications received by Gurugram Police but many citizens in Gurugram are also filing applications to renew the licences of their weapons.

In most cases, deadly weapons are treated as indispensable family assets. Besides applications for licenced weapons for banks and other places which require high-security measures, most of the individuals are also filing applications for possession of licenced weapons. While a major reason for possessing a licenced weapon is said to be for security purposes, many citizens are applying for the possession of weapons for a status symbol.

The Gurugram Police has adopted a rigorous procedure for issuing the licences. In a long procedure that can take more than two months the application is thoroughly verified by the local station in the area where the resident lives. After getting the facts verified from the local police station, the applications are then examined by the DCP of that particular district. There are also strict guidelines to the people who have been issued with the licences. "There are various reasons for which people are applying for licenced weapons. Besides security, weapons are also treated as a vital family asset and thereby many licence applications filed by sons who come for transfer of weapons from their father who has passed away," said Gurugram Police officers involved in the issuance of licences.

"There is a growing trend in people who want to possess the weapons just for raising their status. In most cases, we reject these applications as there are the host of risks involved, "the official added.

Maheshwari, 62 years of age and a business professional in the city said, "I will soon get the renewed licence for my pistol. Even though I have never used it, it has now become a major asset for me."

With rising gun violence being reported from various parts of the national Capital region including Gururgam, the process of issuing licences for deadly weapons is one of the most important processes in policing.