Pune District Collector Orders Surrender of 3,761 Weapons from License Holders Ahead of Assembly Elections
Reported by Tikam Shekhawat
Pune, 22nd October 2024: To ensure a peaceful and smooth assembly election period, Collector and District Magistrate Dr Suhas Diwase has ordered the deposit of 3,761 weapons from 3,677 licensed arms holders across the district, which is under the jurisdiction of 33 police stations in the rural areas.
These directives will remain in effect throughout all assembly constituencies in the district during the general elections. The aim is to prevent any improper use of arms or ammunition, thereby safeguarding human life and ensuring public safety and property during this critical time. The order comes in response to concerns about public peace disturbances and potential riots.
The distribution of the weapons to be surrendered is as follows: Baramati City Police Station: 210, Baramati Taluka: 149, Malegaon: 147, Vadgaon Nimbalkar: 147, Supa: 29, Walchandnagar: 235, Indapur: 244, Bhigwan: 74, Daund: 130, Yawat: 288, Uruli Kanchan: 117, Shirur: 273, Ranjangaon: 50, Shikrapur: 119, Saswad: 114, Jejuri: 92, Bhor: 112, Rajgad: 106, Haveli: 67, Velha: 179, Paud: 278, Lonavala Rural: 35, Lonavala City: 67, Vadgaon Maval: 37, Kamshet: 46, Khed: 92, Manchar: 48, Pargaon: 30, Ghodegaon: 29, Junnar: 41, Narayangaon: 39, Alephata: 30, Otur: 23.
In a recent meeting of the Scrutiny Committee, factors were considered such as individuals released on bail, those involved in riots, and the potential misuse of weapons for political purposes. The order also takes into account the influence of certain individuals in local communities who might participate in the electoral process or political meetings.
The police department has been instructed to communicate these orders to all arms license holders, ensuring that weapons are returned in the same condition once the deposit period concludes.
Violations of this directive will result in action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita (BNS).
