Pune: PCMC Ex-Corporator Among 15 Firearm Licence Holders Facing Permit Cancellation in Police Review
Pimpri-Chinchwad, 13th June 2026: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate has revoked the firearm licences of 15 individuals following a comprehensive review of permit holders, citing reasons ranging from alleged misuse of weapons and involvement in criminal cases to non-compliance with licensing conditions and ineligibility due to age or death.
The action was taken under the direction of Police Commissioner Vinoy Kumar Choubey as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen oversight of firearm ownership and ensure that weapon licences are held only by eligible individuals.
According to police officials, licences of five individuals — Mayur Bhoir, Subhash Sapkal, Vijay Landge, Sahil Dhamale, and Shantaram Chavan — were cancelled after inquiries reportedly revealed either misuse of licensed firearms or their alleged involvement in criminal activities. The decision followed departmental scrutiny and verification of the cases.
Police also withdrew two firearm licences after the holders failed to purchase weapons within the time frame specified under the licence approval conditions. Authorities stated that such approvals lapse if the firearm is not acquired within the prescribed period.
Additionally, eight licences were cancelled because the permit holders were either deceased or no longer considered eligible to retain firearm licences due to advanced age and related administrative considerations.
With these actions, the total number of firearm licences cancelled in the latest review exercise has reached 15.
The Commissionerate simultaneously examined applications submitted by residents seeking fresh firearm permits. Following verification, 68 applications were rejected as applicants could not establish adequate grounds or demonstrate a legitimate requirement for possessing a firearm, officials said.
Police authorities maintained that firearm licences are granted only in exceptional circumstances and that applicants must satisfy strict eligibility and necessity criteria. Officials added that periodic reviews of existing licence holders and scrutiny of new applications will continue to prevent misuse of weapons and ensure compliance with legal provisions.
Among those affected by the latest action is Vijay Landge, a former nominated corporator of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation associated with the undivided Nationalist Congress Party. Police officials clarified that the cancellations were based on administrative and legal assessments conducted during the review process.
