Gun licence holders under scanner in Odisha

BARIPADA: The Mayurbhanj administration will verify documents of firearm licence holders in the district soon. The decision to conduct the verification was taken after it was found that 16 gun licences were registered in the names of deceased persons.

Earlier this month, Bangiriposi police arrested a former bank security guard on charges of illegally selling ammunition to poachers active in Similipal. Sources said it is being alleged that due to negligence in departmental inspections, licence holders are violating the rules governing the firearm practice. Under the pretext of self-defense, firearms are also being misused for poaching and criminal activities.