25% firearms yet to be deposited with Ludhiana Rural police

Ludhiana: The first deadline for depositing firearms after the imposition of the model code of conduct has lapsed and the second is just a few days away, but about 25% weapons have yet to be deposited with the Ludhiana Rural police, data sourced from the department shows.
As per the record, at least 50 “vulnerable” polling stations fall in the Ludhiana Rural police jurisdiction, while the process of identifying “critical” polling stations is underway.It is mandatory for licence holders to deposit their arms with the police and failure in doing so could spell legal troubles for them.

Earlier, the deadline for submitting weapons was March 31 but later, district election officer-cum-deputy commissioner Sakshi Sawhney extended it till April 30.
Ludhiana Rural SSP Navneet Singh Bains said in their jurisdiction, there were 8,629 licence holders with a total of 9,525 weapons.
“Out of total firearms, 7,142 have been deposited with the police while 2,383 (25%) weapons have yet to be given. Directions have been issued to officers and SHOs concerned to get the rest of the weapons deposited,” the SSP said.
DC Sawhney said that sportspersons registered with the National Rifle Association; persons with high threat perception as recommended by the police commissioners/SSPs concerned, those who have been issued the licence in their official capacity such as armed forces and cops; armed security guards of banks and other institutions dealing in cash/precious items (on the recommendation and certification of the bank or organisation where such person is employed); and individuals of communities who have a long-standing custom of displaying firearms are exempted from these orders. She added that any person wanting to seek exemption due to compelling reasons should apply to the screening committee for review of the decision with grounds for the particular case.