Ludhiana Police Launch Major Crackdown on Gun Violence, Suspend 200 Firearm Licences
In a decisive move to combat escalating gun violence, the Ludhiana district police have initiated a sweeping crackdown, suspending 200 firearm licences. Authorities are urgently working to disarm individuals with criminal backgrounds as part of this comprehensive security measure.
Police Commissioner's Directive Targets Multiple Groups
The directive, issued by Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma, comes in response to a series of high-profile shootings where legally owned weapons were misused to settle personal and political disputes. The suspension list encompasses residents currently under criminal investigation, non-resident Indians (NRIs) who have renounced their Indian citizenship, and individuals identified as "social media show-offs" for flaunting weapons online.
Commissioner Sharma emphasized the police department's resolve, stating: "We are determined to curb gun crime. While we continue to recover illegal arms from notorious criminals, we are now cracking down on licensed holders who pose a threat to public order." The licensing unit has been instructed to conduct rolling audits every few months to ensure weapons are not retained by those with pending First Information Reports (FIRs).
Monitoring Social Media Glamorization of Weapons
Authorities have confirmed that the glamorization of weapons on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook is under active surveillance. Licences are being cancelled for anyone found flaunting guns in a manner that promotes violence or intimidation, reflecting a zero-tolerance policy towards online weapon display.
Trigger Points Behind the Crackdown
This stringent action follows two major incidents where licensed firearms transformed public spaces into scenes of violence. On January 27, a 24-year-old student, Rajveer Singh, was fatally shot during a financial dispute. Police investigations revealed that the accused, professional shooter Jugaad Singh Sekhon, allegedly used his licensed 7.6 mm pistol to commit the murder.
Earlier, on December 18, 2025, a violent clash between Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress workers in Jasdev Nagar erupted, with former Congress Sarpanch Jasveer Singh using a .45-bore licensed gun. Viral footage captured him firing multiple shots at political rivals, highlighting the dangerous misuse of legally owned firearms.
The Ludhiana police's proactive measures aim to restore public safety and prevent further incidents, marking a significant step in addressing gun-related crimes in the region.
