Nagpur, India: Commissioner of Police Dr. Ravindra Kumar Singal announced on Friday, October 18, that 409 licensed firearm holders have surrendered their weapons to the Nagpur Police in accordance with the order from District Collector Dr. Vipin Itankar.

During a press conference at Police Bhavan, CP Singal revealed that there are a total of 2,164 licensed firearm holders in the city. Following the implementation of the model code of conduct for the upcoming Assembly elections on October 15, District Collector and Election Officer Dr. Vipin Itankar ordered all licensed firearm holders to surrender their weapons at the nearest police station by Thursday, October 17. This code will remain in effect until November 25.

As a result, 409 licensed firearm holders have surrendered their firearms to the police, with more expected to do the same in the coming days, CP Singal stated. The collector’s directive requires all licensed individuals to comply within three days, in accordance with Section 21 of the Arms Act of 1959. This measure is intended to ensure the smooth conduct of the election process.

However, the order allows exemptions for communities that have traditional and legal rights to carry weapons based on established customs, as long as they do not engage in any violent activities. The order also exempts weapons carried by security personnel involved in law enforcement, bank security, and the protection of public property.