Hyderabad: Director General of Police (DGP) Jitender, focusing on preventing untoward incidents by monitoring sleeping cells in Telangana, directed police commissioners and superintendents of police (SPs) to conduct a thorough review of weapon licence holders and weapon usage across the state.During the review on Friday, the DGP examined the current status of arms licenses issued in Telangana and raised concerns about illegal firearms being smuggled into the state from neighbouring regions. He noted that Telangana issued a total of 7,125 weapon licences covering 9,294 firearms, with only 510 licences granted in the last three years.The DGP instructed the police leadership to scrutinise licensees who have come to adverse notice and issue notices detailing the reasons following due process. “Licence extensions should be granted only if the licensees provide genuine reasons. The review must also focus on licences issued for job-related purposes to aspiring shooters and sportsmen who have not participated in competitions for a prolonged period, licences where weapons were not purchased within a reasonable time, weapons purchased but unused for years, licences not renewed for extended periods, and firearms lying unused in armories for years. Notices must be served in all such cases and action should be taken based on merit,” the DGP instructed. He further emphasised the need to review the licences of those who have relocated and advised re-registration of such licences in their new jurisdictions.The DGP further ordered to issue notices to such licencees whose whereabouts are unknown in Hyderabad. All weapon licences must comply with the Arms (Amendment) Act, 2019. During license renewal, the genuineness of the need for the firearm must be thoroughly verified, and licences should not be renewed if the justification is unsatisfactory. Proper procedures must be followed in such cases.The DGP warned against encouraging illegal or unethical practices within police units while processing arms licences. Decisions to grant or refuse licences must be based solely on the merits of each case, prioritising the safety and security of the state. A zero-tolerance policy will be enforced against the movement of illegal weapons, and information must be diligently gathered to curb such activities, he stated.
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