Udupi: Udupi district police have detected unauthorised modifications in four licensed firearms during a special inspection drive conducted across the district over the past month.
The operation was launched in view of recent cases involving the use of firearms in the district. As part of the drive, police focused on verifying the background of licensed firearm holders, checking the condition of their weapons and determining whether any firearms had been modified without authorisation.
Police inspect 2,925 firearms
During the month-long inspection, police checked a total of 2,925 firearms across Udupi district. The inspection covered different categories of licensed weapons, including single-barrel and double-barrel guns, pistols, revolvers and rifles.
The weapons inspected comprised 1,759 SBML guns, 554 SBBL guns, 318 DBBL guns, six DBML guns, 120 pistols, 119 revolvers, 30 rifles, 13 bore guns and six NP-bore firearms.
The inspection was intended to ensure that licensed firearms were being maintained and possessed in accordance with the applicable rules and that no unauthorised alterations had been made to the weapons.
Four firearms found modified
Police found that four firearms had undergone unauthorised modifications during the inspection.
Following the findings, separate cases were registered at Shankaranarayana, Kota, Brahmavar and Karkala Town police stations against the respective firearm holders. The cases have been registered under Section 25 of the Indian Arms Act, 1959, and investigations are underway.
Police are examining the circumstances in which the modifications were carried out and the nature of the alterations made to the weapons.
Rowdy-sheet holders with licences verified
As part of the special operation, police also carried out additional verification of individuals who have rowdy sheets and hold firearm licences.
The verification included checking their present conduct and examining whether they had been involved in any criminal cases after obtaining firearm licences. The exercise was aimed at ensuring closer monitoring of licensed firearm holders whose backgrounds require additional scrutiny from a law-and-order perspective.
The district police have indicated that such verification and inspections are part of efforts to prevent the misuse of legally held firearms and identify violations at an early stage.
Police warn against illegal firearm activities
Udupi district police said continuous monitoring would be maintained against the illegal possession and use of firearms, as well as unauthorised modifications, in the interest of public safety and the maintenance of law and order.
Police said necessary legal action would be initiated against violations detected during inspections or through other investigations.
The department has also appealed to members of the public to share information regarding the illegal possession, use, modification or storage of firearms with the nearest police station.
The special inspection drive comes amid increased scrutiny of firearms in the district following recent incidents involving their use. Police said monitoring and verification would continue to ensure that licensed weapons remain within the conditions under which they were authorised and are not altered or used unlawfully.