There seems to be a high demand for gun licenses among citizens in Gurugram.
Over 400 applications are received on an annual basis by Gurugram Police for possession of licensed weapons.
Not only is the number of new applications received by Gurugram Police very high but many citizens in Gurugram are also filing applications to renew the licenses of
their weapons.
In most cases, deadly weapons are treated as indispensable family assets.
Besides applications for licensed weapons for banks and other places which require high security measures, individuals are also filing applications for licensed
weapons.
While a major reason for possessing a licensed weapon is said to be for security purposes, many citizens wish to possess the weapons for a status symbol.
There is also a rise in many women citizens applying for licenses of keeping these deadly weapons.
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 police 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.
According to Gurugram Police officials, among more than 400 applications that are received yearly, there are only 150 applications that get accepted.
There are also strict guidelines issued to the people who have been granted the licenses.
"There are various reasons for which people are applying for licensed weapons. Besides security, weapons are also treated as a vital family asset and thereby there
are many licenses filed by sons who come for transfer of weapons from their father who have passed away," said a Gurugram Police official involved in issuance of
licences.
"The Gurugram Police has a very strict policy of issuing the licenses. Out of the 400 applications that are received, only 150 get licenses. There is a growing trend of people who want to possess the weapons just for raising their status. We reject these applications," the official said.
Arun Maheshwari, a 62-year-old businessman said, "I will soon be getting the renewed license for my pistol. Even though I have never used it, it has now become a major asset for me."