Hyderabad becoming a haven for illegal firearms

The choice of guns is huge and varied. From a 9 mm pistol or a 5-shot mini-revolver with 2- inch heavy barrel or a 6-shot mini revolver or 3.2 pistol to a one-shot pistol or 7.65 bore pistols or countrymade guns or even assembled guns? Hyderabad is quickly becoming a thriving market for supplying illegal weapons.For most denizens, buying a gun is not a big deal.Whether it be passion to possess a gun or to defend oneself, most prominent personalities and businessmen are keen to own a gun. What’s more is that illegal countrymade tapanchas and guns from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar are available for anything between Rs 10,000 and Rs 30,000, depending on the model.Reportedly, a few dealers hailing from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have been selling arms through their agents in the city. During the last one year, it is estimated that at least 500 illegal weapons have been sold. According to sources, customers have to to pay at least five per cent of the total cost as initial payment and only then the illegal weapon is requisitioned and delivered to him within ten days. With the recent murder of factionist Maddelacheruvu Suri, city police are concentrating on illegal firearms supply to the city.VB Kamalasan Reddy, deputy commissioner of police, Task Force told Express that it is a cause of concern that the number of crimes committed with illegal weapons are on the rise. He said, “Most individuals, who come from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are involved in the racket.They had come to the city for their livelihood but have started the illegal weapons supply business. We have already set up a few teams to inquire into illegal weapon sales in the twin cities.” City police nabbed a notorious inter-state fire arms supplier Vinod Kumar Sahu for supplying arms to terror operator Viqaruddin and others in November. Police also recovered two country-made fire arms along with six live rounds of ammunition. In another case, a four-member gang, Aseen, Arshadullah, Lateef Khan and Imran Khan were arrested for trying to sell four country-made guns. Police caught them during their regular frisking operations held at Lakshminagar crossroads under Saidabad police limits.

By Mouli Mareedu

moulimareedu@gmail.com