Saryu Roy demands strict action against Banna Gupta over illegal Glock pistol

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Oct 23 : Jamshedpur West MLA Saryu Roy has written to the East Singhbhum deputy commissioner  Karn Satyarthi urging strict legal action against former minister Banna Gupta for allegedly possessing, a license for a prohibited 0.45 bore Glock pistol.

In his letter, Roy referenced a national daily report titled “Prohibited Glock Pistol Worth  Rs 18 lakh seized from former minister Banna Gupta”, urging the administration to take cognizance.

He acknowledged that while the recent seizure is a positive step, it is insufficient without strict legal enforcement.

Roy emphasized that possession of prohibited firearms is a punishable offense under the Indian Arms Act, 1959, Section 25, which also criminalizes their sale and illegal licensing.

The Act prescribes imprisonment ranging from five years to life, along with fines, and proposed amendments increase minimum imprisonment to seven years, extendable up to 24 years.

The MLA revealed that he had previously written to the deputy commissioner on April 28, urging action against illegal firearm holders, but no action was taken.

He had also informed the  Jharkhand governor, Chief Minister, West Bengal’s Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Director General of Police, and officials in the Home Ministry about Gupta’s possession of the illegal pistol.

Roy  criticized the administration for granting a license to the prohibited firearm despite the legal violations.

He stated that all individuals are equal before the law, and positions of power should not shield anyone from punishment for serious offenses.

He expressed hope that the authorities will demonstrate accountability by taking strict action against the illegal holder, seller, and licenser of the Glock pistol, in line with the provisions of the Arms Act.