Call for voluntarily surrendering illegal firearms

District Forest Officer R. Rajmohan has urged the public to voluntarily surrender the illegal firearms with them before February 15 under the Statewide ‘Eradicate illegal guns – protect wildlife’ drive to avoid legal consequences and punishment.

In a statement, Dr. Rajmohan said the Department of Forest had launched the ‘Eradicate illegal guns – protect wildlife’ initiative to ensure voluntary surrender of illegal firearms with the public as these weapons could be used to hunt down wild animals like elephant, deer, bear, wild boar etc., besides causing grievous injuries to humans.

Moreover, illegal possession of firearms would attract severe punishments under Wildlife Protection Act 1972, Arms Act, 1959 and other Acts.

“Hence, the voluntary surrender of illegal firearms has been introduced by the government which will not attract any legal consequence or punishment. The firearms can be surrendered in the nearest Forest Range Office and District Forest Office or through the village panchayat president, Village Administrative Officer, panchayat ward members and the local firearms collection centres,” Dr. Rajmohan said.