Bengaluru cops cancel 1,180 gun licences; most belong to the dead

Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Police has cancelled 946 arms licences due to the death of licence holders between August 2024 and August 2025. 

The year-long “clean up” drive led to the cancellation of 1,180 gun licences across Bengaluru City, of which the biggest chunk (946) belonged to dead licensees. The drive was carried out to deal with existing grey areas among arms licence holders in the city. 

Of the 946 cancelled licences, Bengaluru East saw the highest cancellation at 193, followed by 162 in the North division, 133 in South, 121 in West, 93 in Southeast, 88 in Central, 87 in Northeast, and 69 in Whitefield. 

When the licensee passes away, the legal heir is required to immediately deposit the weapon either at the local police station or at a private armoury. “After that the legal heir can either get the licence cancelled or apply for a fresh licence and then get the weapon transferred to their licence,” Kuldeep Kumar Jain, Joint Commissioner of Police (Administration), told DH.

The other reasons for the cancellations include non-renewal and failure to purchase a weapon. Once approved, an arms licence is valid for a duration of five years. “Before the five years are completed, the licensee is required to get the licence renewed. We recommend that they apply for a renewal about three months in advance to ensure it’s done within the stipulated time and there is no lapse. If this is not done, the weapon immediately becomes illegal,” the officer elaborated. 

Failure to renew also comes with a penalty. “While there will be a small penalty when the licensee attempts to renew the license after the five-year period, it is not the only concern. Owning an illegal weapon comes with bigger repercussions,” he added. 

The entire process of applying for a fresh arms licence and renewing an existing one takes place online through the official website of the Bengaluru City Police. Each weapon purchased under the licence needs to be registered separately. On average, the city receives approximately 100 applications each month. 

Once a licence is approved, the licensee is required to purchase a weapon within one year. “Or the person can get an extension of another year. If the person does not purchase the weapon within this period, we will send a formal notice, and the licence will then be cancelled. Overall, 15 licences were cancelled for this reason in the past year, and 219 cancelled for non-renewal.

Currently, 8,567 arms licences are operational within the city limits. “As a rule of thumb, most applications get rejected. The licences are approved only when the applicant proves that there is a threat to life or if the weapon holds sentimental value. Gun licences are also provided to businessmen who carry out huge transactions. Whatever the reason might be, a thorough background check is carried out,” he added.