Over 5,000 licensed arms deposited

Hyderabad: With just a day to go to deposit weapons in view of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, 90 per cent of holders of arms licenses in two of the three commissionerates; Rachakonda and Cyberabad have deposited their arms.

Under section 21 of Arms Act 1959, all holders of arms licenses residing in the city are to surrender their weapons except those employed as guards in nationalized banks, public sector undertakings, security personnel, sportsmen who are members of national Rifle Association who take part in sporting events.

Speaking to The Hans India, D Sunita Reddy, additional DCP, Hyderabad Police Commissionerate said, "The response is good and with just a day to go we are expecting all to comply."

Last time 883 were given exemption from depositing weapons and the number would be the same this time too say senior police officials.

However, those who fail to deposit their weapons, penal action would be initiated by confiscating the weapons and they would be prosecuted say officials.

It may be noted that Anjani Kumar, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad and Secunderabad said earlier this week that stringent action would be taken on persons concealing weapons.

The election code of conduct mandates arms license holders to deposit their weapons at the police station.

There are 8276 arms license holders in the city.

The weapons can be taken back by the license holders on or after May 27 after the completion of election process.