Kolkata prohibits carrying of weapons in public

Kolkata: The Kolkata Police on Friday issued a notice prohibiting people from carrying sharp and offensive weapons in any public place in the city and the adjoining suburbs for a year starting January 2.

In a bid to maintain "public peace and safety", the Kolkata Police have prohibited carrying arms including swords, spears, bludgeons and the like.

A notification stated that "…I Rajeev Kumar, Commissioner of Police, Kolkata, do hereby prohibit any person from carrying of swords, spears, bludgeons, or other offensive weapons in any public place in the "Town

of Calcutta" or in the "Suburbs of the Town of Calcutta"… for the period from January 2, 2018 to January 1, 2019."

However, as per the notification the prohibition of carrying such arms is not applicable for persons who are exempted under "Schedule-I appended to notification no GSR 991 dated July 13, 1962, issued by the Government of India, Ministry of

Home Affairs, or to a holder of a permit granted

by the Commissioner of Police, Kolkata…under the Arms Act."

It may be mentioned that the notification will ensure maintenance of the law and order situation in the city and its adjoining areas. It has also been mentioned in the notification that steps are being taken considering "it necessary to do so for the preservation of public peace and public safety."

The police will ensure a vigil so that the direction is not flouted in the next one year.

Stringent steps will be taken if anyone is found carrying such arms without having any prior permission.