MAHASAMUND,INDIA: Mahasamund Collector and District Election Officer Vinay Kumar Langeh has asked all arms license holders in the district to deposit their firearms at their respective police stations. This measure aims to ensure fair and peaceful urban body and three-tier Panchayat elections in 2025.

The directive, issued under Sections 17(3)(B) and 21 of the Arms Act, 1959, is designed to create a fear-free atmosphere and prevent the misuse of weapons during the elections. A district-level committee has been constituted to oversee the deposit process and address related applications, as per instructions from the Election Commission and orders of the Mumbai High Court.

All license holders residing within the district’s borders, including those from outside the district but currently living in Mahasamund, are required to report their firearms to the nearest police station. Security guards of recognized banks, the National Rifle Association, the District Rifle Association, and essential institutions like industrial, educational, and government establishments are exempt from depositing their firearms. However, these entities must still register their weapons with the police and refrain from removing them from their premises without prior approval.

Those who require their firearms for security purposes can submit an application, which will be reviewed by the station in-charge and forwarded to the monitoring committee through the Superintendent of Police for a final decision.

Police stations will register all deposited firearms and issue receipts to licensees. The deposited weapons will be returned within a week after February 28, 2025. License holders are strictly instructed to comply with the order, with violations subject to legal action.