Double-barrel gun goes off at licensing office,injures two

According to police,the incident happened when the accused – Surendra Pal Jain (56),a businessman – went to the department to renew the license for his double-barrel gun. He was unloading his weapon near the reception area at about 9.45 am,when the pellets struck the door-framed metal detector. They ricocheted and hit Kamal Sakal (22) and Madan Latwal (28),police added.

Explaining the standard operating procedure that one needs to follow when visiting the Licensing Unit,Deputy Commissioner of Police (South),Chhaya Sharma said,“One must show the weapon at the time of renewal; so,Jain had got his gun along. He was unloading the weapon when it went off and hurt the two victims.

She added,“The gun was old and it is possible that he had not used the weapon for some time. It is not intentional and the incident was caused due to mishandling of a weapon. The offence is a bailable one”.

However,as per the guidelines of the Licensing Unit,an individual must ensure that the weapon is unloaded before entering its office premises. ¿The accused was unloading his gun at the gate outside reception area but the barrel of the gun was unfortunately pointing inside. That is why the pellets came inside and hurt the two people. Apart from ensuring that the weapon is unloaded before entering the licensing office,we also inspect the weapons once the forms are filled. We take all possible stringent measures in this regard,said Additional Commissioner of Police (Licensing),Madhup Tiwari.

Authorities at the AIIMS said Kamal was discharged after treatment while Madan was still recuperating in the Trauma Centre.

A case of causing hurt by endangering the life and personal safety of others was registered under section 337 of Indian Penal Code against the businessman.