For the First Time in Five Years, Pune Police Cancel 111 Firearm Permits in 2024
For the First Time in Five Years, Pune Police Cancel 111 Firearm Permits in 2024
Pune, January 26 – Pune city police have reported a significant reduction in the issuance of firearm licences in 2024, with only 65 licences granted, compared to 186 in 2023 and 279 in 2022. The decline reflects increased scrutiny amidst debates over random gun licence distribution, particularly in Maharashtra’s Beed district.
For the first time since 2019, Pune police cancelled 111 firearm licences in 2024 as part of an intensified focus on addressing gun-related concerns. During an annual press conference on Thursday, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar shared data highlighting the department’s efforts to tighten firearm regulations.
Notices Issued and Grounds for Cancellation
In 2024, 200 firearm licence holders received notices asking them to justify the need for retaining their licences. Failure to provide satisfactory reasons led to cancellations. Licences were primarily issued to sports enthusiasts and individuals with legitimate heirship claims after February 2024.
“Licence holders involved in criminal activities faced cancellation, and many licences were revoked due to non-renewal,” said Commissioner Kumar.
Decline in FL-III Licences for Liquor Sale and Transport
In addition to firearm regulations, police took a strict stance on FL-III licences for selling, possessing, and transporting foreign liquor. Not a single No Objection Certificate (NOC) was issued for FL-III licences in 2024. By comparison, 16 NOCs were granted in 2023 and 36 in 2022.
Instead, 82 NOC applications for FL-III licences were rejected in 2024, a sharp rise from 12 in 2023 and none in 2022. “This highlights our commitment to stricter control over such activities,” Kumar stated.
Key Statistics:
- Firearm Licences Issued:
- 2024: 65
- 2023: 186
- 2022: 279
- Firearm Licences Cancelled:
- 2024: 111
- FL-III Licence NOCs:
- 2024: 0
- 2023: 16
- 2022: 36
- Rejected FL-III NOC Applications:
- 2024: 82
- 2023: 12
- 2022: 0
Pune city police’s proactive approach in 2024 reflects a renewed commitment to ensuring responsible use of firearms and liquor-related licences while addressing public safety concerns.
