Jharkhand government seizes former health minister Banna Gupta’s Glock pistol

The Jharkhand government has taken possession of a high-powered Glock pistol from former health minister and ex-Jamshedpur West MLA Banna Gupta, as part of a wider review of privately held advanced firearms in the state.

The seizure, carried out under the directives of the Home, Jail, and Disaster Management Department, pertains to one of the two weapons licensed to Gupta. The 0.45-bore Glock, purchased from Kolkata during 2022-23 at a reported cost of ₹18 lakh, is considered among the most sophisticated handguns currently available. Such weapons are rarely licensed in Jharkhand, with ordinary citizens restricted to 0.32-bore pistols.

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The retrieval coincides with the Ghatsila assembly by-election, adding a political dimension. Opposition leader Saryu Rai has written to the East Singhbhum District Collector, urging strict legal action against Gupta for possessing a restricted firearm and against officials responsible for issuing the license.

Rai pointed out that possession, sale, or licensing of prohibited arms is punishable under Section 25 of the Indian Arms Act, 1959, with imprisonment ranging from five to ten years, potentially increasing under proposed amendments. “No individual, regardless of position, is above the law. Enforcement must be impartial,” Rai said, underscoring repeated prior warnings about Gupta’s possession of the weapon.

Following the order, district authorities retrieved one of the two firearms and deposited it in the state armory. Officials described the move as part of a broader effort to regulate private ownership of high-capacity foreign firearms, aimed at reducing security risks and curbing potential misuse.

The episode has revived concerns over delayed enforcement and regulatory oversight, as Gupta’s license was reportedly issued despite earlier alerts from political leaders and administration officials.

Police sources noted that the Glock’s high sophistication and firepower justify strict licensing, and any unauthorized possession constitutes a serious offense under the law.

The state government’s recent action signals a renewed focus on accountability, the regulation of restricted firearms, and enforcement of the Arms Act without regard to political stature.