60,000 people have licence for guns, six more get it everyday

While 130 people obtained licenses for firearms in January, the number increased to 147 in February and to 191 in March. The police do not have the figures for April.

A string of cars is parked outside the licensing department at the police headquarters, as cellphone-wielding businessmen await their turn to arm themselves.

“Sir, when will we get a license?,” they ask. “Please do it at the earliest. I am in a hurry,” they say. According to the licensing officers, most of the applicants for firearms are wealthy businessmen from South Delhi.

DCP (Licensing) S Nithianand says: “There has been a rise (in the number of licences). But how can you blame me? I have taken over a week ago. You should ask my predecessors.”

In fact, the Licensing Department has not had a permanent DCP for a year. Heads of other departments have looked after the functioning of this section from time to time.

The process of obtaining a license is a lengthy one. To apply for a firearms license, one has to furnish details of lifestyle, occupation and the reason a weapon is needed.

Both the Station House Officer and the Deputy Commissioner of Police of the concerned district should be satisfied that the applicant has a genuine need for the weapon — that is, either he faces a threat to life or holds an important post in public life.

The DCP (Licensing) should also be satisfied that the applicant needs the weapon and knows how to use it. Plus, the applicant should have no criminal record.

DCP Nithianand says following the rise in the number of licensed firearm holders, they will now lay emphasis on interviewing applicants.