Punjab government and police must crack down on gang networks, The Tribune reports
The murder of Rahul Sharma has reignited concerns regarding rising gun culture and illegal weapons in the state.
The Punjab government and police must take urgent steps to dismantle gang networks and curb illegal arms, according to The Tribune. The recent murder of food vendor Rahul Sharma has renewed concerns about the state's gun culture and the increasing use of firearms to settle trivial disputes.
The murder of Rahul Sharma and the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa are cited as evidence of a rising gun culture, The Tribune reported. Police stated that Rahul Sharma's murder was a crime of passion rather than a gang hit, involving a licensed firearm belonging to the prime suspect.
Ludhiana, Gurdaspur, and Bathinda are among the top three districts in the state for licensed weapons, according to police data. While licensed weapons are rarely used in crime, criminals and youth often procure country-made weapons from neighbouring states at low prices.
The state government has started monthly reviews of existing arms licenses, with instructions to revoke permits held by individuals with past criminal records. Proponents of current policy noted that measures are in place, including freezing new arms licenses and conducting audits of existing weapons.
Critics and community members argue that the quick escalation of arguments reflects a dangerous normalisation of firearms. They point to the glorification of weapons in regional pop culture and social media as factors influencing the youth.