Airguns taking lives, three deaths this year

ALLEPPEY: Airguns require no license and are unrestricted in use. Since anyone can own an airgun by providing identification, attacks using it are also increasing. So far this year, three people have died due to airgun shooting. More than half a dozen attacks. Even family quarrels are being answered with an airgun.

With the increase in misuse of airgun, the police is on the move to bring control. As part of this, the number of people using airguns will be accounted in the state. The DGP has given instructions to the district police chiefs in this regard. Efforts are being made to collect data from sales centres as well.

The sale of airguns has skyrocketed with the introduction of stricter restrictions on gun licences. It is also used by gangsters. The police cannot control it because it does not require a license.

An airgun uses high-pressure air or some other gas to propel the pellets out. If shot from close range, the pellets can penetrate the body and cause death. High-powered air rifles can fire pellets at the speed of sound. Guns ranging from pistols to air revolvers are available in the market.

Lives lost in airgun firing

1. 2023 August 28: Shafi, a resident of Changaramkulam Cheruvallur, Malappuram, was shot dead by his friend Sajeev after he taunted him about his poor aim when he shot a bird. It was thought to be an accidental shooting. Weeks later it was proven to be murder.
2. August 29: Soman was shot dead by his neighbor Prasad at Haripad Pallipad Vazhuthanam following a family dispute.
3. September 28: In Aluva, Thomas, an employee of the High Court shot and killed his elder brother Paulson in a dispute over bike parking at home.

Anyone can own it

• No license is required for use
• Can be purchased with ID
• Price ranges from Rs 2,100 to Rs 55,000
• More than 35 Indian-made airguns
• Foreign air guns are also available

"As violence using airguns has increased, an account of airguns is being collected on the instructions of the DGP.

-Chaitra Teresa John,

SP, Alappuzha