In Gujarat, the culture of gun ownership is growing rapidly. In the last five years, more than 5,200 people have obtained gun licenses. Ahmedabad leads with 690 licenses, followed by Rajkot with 540 and Dahod with 487. This increase in gun ownership raises concerns about potential crime rates in the future.
According to information obtained through the Right to Information Act, several other districts have also seen a rise in gun licenses. Surat, Surendranagar, Chhota Udaipur, Vadodara, Morbi, Gandhinagar, Banaskantha, and Junagadh are among the regions where more than 200 licenses have been issued in five years.
Recently, in a crackdown on fake gun licenses, the Anti-Terrorist Squad arrested 66 individuals in Manipur and Nagaland, revealing a larger issue of illegal gun licenses in the country. The business of acquiring gun licenses from other states has been ongoing for years in Gujarat. Past incidents include the Jammu and Kashmir fake gun license scam, which was uncovered by the Crime Branch in 2007.
Obtaining a gun license in Gujarat requires adherence to 113 rules, but the strong influence of agents and money has led to a worrying trend. Although purchasing guns with licenses from other states has become difficult, many agents continue to operate.
To apply for a gun license, individuals must submit their Income Tax returns for three years and prove that they have no criminal cases pending against them. They must also demonstrate the need for personal or family protection. Many applicants cite threats from business rivals as a reason for their request. Additionally, they must provide a training certificate.
During elections, festivals, or other significant events, gun owners are required to deposit their weapons at the local police station. After acquiring a weapon, they must regularly account for their ammunition.
In Ahmedabad alone, the number of gun license applications has increased. In 2024, out of 259 applications, 98 were submitted for guns, of which 34 were approved and 61 rejected. For revolvers, pistols, and rifles, 161 applications were made, with 37 approved and 18 rejected. A total of 106 applications are still pending.
In 2023, among 191 applications for gun licenses, 55 were submitted, with 31 approved and 24 rejected. For revolvers, pistols, and rifles, 136 applications were made, with 46 approved and 56 rejected. The statistics suggest a growing interest in acquiring revolvers, pistols, and rifles.
The rise of gun culture in Gujarat poses significant challenges for law enforcement. With the increasing number of licenses, the government is now considering stricter regulations. Recent reviews have led to the cancellation of around 500 unnecessary licenses due to rising incidents of gun-related violence. It is estimated that as many as 5,000 licenses may be revoked in the future due to misuse.
The state government is taking measures to ensure that only deserving individuals receive gun licenses. They are conducting thorough checks on existing licenses to prevent any undeserving persons from obtaining them. However, the influence of money and connections remains a significant hurdle, allowing many with questionable backgrounds to acquire licenses.
As Gujarat continues to grapple with this issue, the balance between individual rights to own firearms and public safety will remain a complex challenge. The state must navigate this delicate situation carefully to ensure that gun ownership does not lead to increased crime rates and violence in the community.