Frame rules for import of airguns,revolvers: HC to govt

Additional public prosecutor Jayesh Yagnik,however,told the court that there were instances where even airguns,believed to be less harmful than a firearm,were used in crimes. Moreover,in an affidavit submitted to the court by Deputy Commissioner of Police Sheela Sail it was stated that the voluminous quantity and frequency of imports by Kalsekar and his son suggested that the guns are used by more people than specified and the possibility of the sale of the airguns cannot be ruled out.

The court remarked that if the government seriously apprehends the misuse of such weapons,it should amend the law retrospectively. “In the light of recent developments you should move fast,¿ the court said.

Justice Khanwilkar also said,“On the one hand you say there is no intelligence failure and on the other hand you don’t move fast,” justice Khanwilkar said.

Sail’s affidavit also stated that Kalsekar had imported one .22 Bore air gun,two starter revolvers,four starter pistols,100 9 mm revolver blank cartridges,two air guns,five signal guns and three air rifles between January and July 2010. His son Ashraf had imported 20 starter pistol,20 starter revolvers and 1,40,000 air gun pellets. The affidavit also says that Kalsekar owned a licensed gun as well.

When the court questioned Kalsekar’s need for these many weapons,it was informed that the guns have to be discarded after 100 to150 shots.