Two Misuse Incidents Put Hyderabad Arms Licences and Verification Under Scrutiny
Two recent cases involving the misuse of licensed firearms in Hyderabad—including the alleged hunting of a black buck and celebratory firing at a wedding in Chandrayangutta—have brought the regulatory system for issuing, renewing, and monitoring arms licences under scrutiny.
In the wildlife offence detected on September 28, Future City police and the Forest Department apprehended nine individuals and recovered approximately 13 kg of suspected black buck meat. Officers also seized a licensed .315 rifle equipped with a telescopic sight and silencer, along with 19 rounds of ammunition. Investigators determined that the group had travelled from Hyderabad to the Makthal area near Narayanpet, where the animal was allegedly hunted. The firearm involved was reportedly obtained under the sports and shooting category.
In the second incident, Chandrayangutta police booked two men under the Arms Act after a licensed weapon was discharged during a wedding celebration. Amer Bin Sayeed allegedly fired three rounds into the air using a licensed .32 revolver registered to his cousin, Valeed Hussain. Police seized the revolver, ammunition, and licence documentation, noting that the firearm had been handed over and operated by someone other than the authorised licence holder.
Police said the recurring nature of celebratory firing in Hyderabad highlights gaps in preventive monitoring of licence holders, despite previous criminal cases registered for similar offences. The developments have underscored calls for tighter verification regarding applicants' backgrounds, stated reasons for seeking weapons, past weapons handling experience, and eligibility during periodic licence renewals.
Concerns have also surfaced regarding allegations that intermediaries and brokers assist individuals in obtaining and renewing arms licences, with claims that certain officials accept money to clear pending files. Observers and community workers have pointed to the need for authorities to verify applicant details, including business activities and legitimate sources of funds, to prevent individuals with real estate interests from acquiring weapons for associates as status symbols.
Suggested regulatory improvements include conducting surprise inspections of weapons and ammunition stocks, carrying out routine physical verifications of licence holders, and ordering the prompt suspension of licences whenever firearms are misused or shared with third parties.
