Saryu Roy Seeks Action Against Banna Gupta Over Prohibited Pistol

MLA Writes to East Singhbhum DC Citing Arms Act Violations

Key Points:

• Saryu Roy urges legal action under Indian Arms Act provisions
• Letter cites banned Glock pistol linked to Banna Gupta case
• Calls for probe into license issuance and weapon sale

JAMSHEDPUR – Saryu Roy has demanded legal action against those involved in the Glock pistol case linked to former minister Banna Gupta.

Roy, the Jamshedpur West MLA, wrote to the East Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner. He urged the administration to act against those who possessed, sold, or issued the license for the 0.45 bore prohibited Glock pistol.

He referenced a national daily’s report titled “Prohibited Glock Pistol Worth ₹18 Lakh Seized from Former Minister Banna Gupta.” According to Roy, while the district’s step to seize the weapon was lawful, it was not sufficient.

He stressed that holding or selling a prohibited firearm is a punishable crime under Section 25 of the Indian Arms Act, 1959. This section prescribes imprisonment of at least five years, extendable to ten years, and fines. Proposed amendments, he noted, increase the term to not less than seven years and up to fourteen years.

Moreover, Roy explained that amended provisions could allow up to 24 years of imprisonment. “Possession of a prohibited weapon attracts strict punishment,” he wrote.

He reminded the DC that he had earlier, on April 28, 2023, written seeking action against the illegal arms holder, but no action was taken. Roy also recalled sending letters to the Governor, Chief Minister, West Bengal’s Additional Chief Secretary (Home), and senior Home Ministry officials regarding the same issue.

According to him, despite these communications, the administration not only ignored the warnings but even issued a license for the prohibited firearm to Gupta. “Now that the pistol has been seized, the law must take its full course,” Roy emphasized.

He insisted that the administration prosecute the holder, the seller, and those responsible for issuing the illegal license. “No one should be above the law,” he said, adding that position or stature should not prevent legal action.

Roy expressed hope that the authorities would uphold their duty by enforcing the Arms Act provisions impartially.