Over 4,000 licensed gun owners deposited their firearms with the police and armouries ahead of the Assembly polls on December 7, said Hyderabad Commissioner of Police Anjani Kumar.
Bank security guards and guards involved in escorting vehicles carrying cash to banks and ATMs and members of National Rifle Association are exempted from the rule.
“Hyderabad is a house for several senior Army officials who are posted either in North East or Jammu and Kashmir. Such category of people are also exempted from depositing their weapons,” said Mr. Kumar.
The election code of conduct mandates arms licence-holders to deposit their weapons at the police station. Police said that stern action would be taken against those who violate the rule. There are over 6,000 licence-holders in Hyderabad city.
The Commissioner said as part of the enforcement drive, they have seized ₹8.76 crore in cash and claimed it to be much more than what it was in the last elections. “The process will continue till the polling day and we will see that role of money and liquor is minimised in the entire election process,” he said.
Police have ensured elaborate security at around 3,800 polling stations in the city for fair and peaceful election process.
When asked about the role of central forces during polling, Mr. Kumar said that currently Rapid Action Force and Railway Protection Force have been pressed into service and have conducted flag march thrice in important areas.
“As far as role of central forces are concerned, Director General of Police M. Mahender Reddy has taken the requirement from all the 31 units in the State and has taken up the issue with Ministry of Home Affairs. Shortly we will be indicated about how much force we are getting and accordingly we will draw the plan,” Mr. Kumar said.
