JOIN USArms recovery shoots high on Metro
While Delhi Metro has witnessed a sharp increase in ridership over the last few years, the incidents of seizure of arms and ammunition during regular frisking at its stations has also seen an exponential rise.
A single such incident was reported in 2008 whereas security officials manning Metro stations recovered arms and ammunition on at least 42 occasions last year — which included 111 live cartridge and seven firearms.
In 2013, security personnel have already seized 27 rounds of ammunition and one firearm during frisking. The recovery was made, both during physical frisking of commuters as well as scanning of luggage by the baggage scanners.
“In 2011, a total of 97 rounds and seven firearms were recovered. However, in 2012, both the number of incidents involving seizure of arms and the items recovered has witnessed a spike,” said a senior official of CISF, the paramilitary force in-charge of Metro security. “The pattern reflects growing challenge of security personnel.”
While seven such cases came to light in 2009, at least 30 incidents of ammunition recovery from commuters were reported in 2010, said an official.
It has emerged as a matter of concern as it magnifies the security challenges. Though Delhi Metro has had an impeccable record in terms of security ever since it started operations a decade ago, it has been one of the prime targets of terrorists.
“The increasing trend of recovery of arms and ammunition is a matter of concern. However, we must also appreciate the work being done by the security personnel who could recover them on time,” said Delhi Metro spokesperson Anuj Dayal.
Central Industrial Security Force officials said people in possession of arms and ammunition without licence were handed over to the Delhi Metro police for further action. But the ones with licensed arms were only stopped from travelling in Metro. They were released after they produced valid documents.
The rules even bar valid licence holders to carry arms in Metro.