Pellet Injury to Bhopal Student Highlights Unregulated Sale of Airguns at Jumerati Bazaar
Bhopal: A 23-year-old BBA student undergoing treatment for a pellet injury at a private hospital in Berasia has brought to light the unregulated sale of airguns and pistols in Bhopal’s Jumerati Bazaar. These weapons, sold without adherence to legal regulations, pose a serious public safety concern.
Unregulated Sale of Airguns
- Airguns and pistols are openly sold at Jumerati Bazaar without requiring buyers to produce identification documents.
- The weapons, popular among youths for target practice and bird shooting, can be dangerous, with stray pellets potentially causing fatal injuries.
- Many of these weapons are displayed openly, including air rifles fitted with telescopes for enhanced accuracy.
Legal vs Illegal Sales
- Airguns of .177 calibre are legal and can be sold after proper identification is provided and a bill issued, as per authorised gun store owners.
- However, vendors in Jumerati Bazaar reportedly sell airguns without following these protocols, raising concerns about the calibre of weapons and lack of buyer documentation.
Cost and Accessibility
- Air pistols are available at prices ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹4,000.
- Air rifles, especially those fitted with telescopes, are priced between ₹10,000 and ₹12,000, with prices often negotiable.
- Pellets are sold alongside other hardware items at these shops.
Official Response
- Harinarayanchari Mishra, Commissioner of Police, Bhopal, announced plans to launch a compliance drive to:
- Verify the calibre of airguns being sold.
- Ensure sellers are authorised to sell airguns.
- Confirm that proper identification documents are being collected from buyers.
The incident underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of regulations governing the sale of airguns to prevent misuse and potential harm.
