Man arrested in Guntur for fake arms license and illegal possession of firearms

A 27-year-old man was arrested in Guntur on Monday, July 27, 2026, for allegedly obtaining an arms license through forged documents and illegally possessing firearms and ammunition. The arrest was made by the Nagarampalem police under the supervision of West District Superintendent of Police Bellam Srinivasa Rao. The accused, identified as Myla Vijaya Harsha, was apprehended by Circle Inspector Munipalli Rajesh and his team during a raid. During the operation, police confiscated three firearms, specifically a .22 rifle, a 12-bore shotgun, and a .380 pistol, as well as 50 rounds of live ammunition. This included six 9 mm rounds and 44 rounds of .380 caliber ammunition. Additionally, they seized a vehicle believed to be connected to the alleged offenses. The case has been filed under Sections 318(4) and 336(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 25(1)(a) of the Arms Act, 1959. Harsha has been remanded into judicial custody for further proceedings. According to the police, the creation of forged certificates and the fraudulent acquisition of arms licenses presents a significant risk to public safety. These actions are punishable under strict legal provisions. A thorough investigation is currently underway to trace the network responsible for producing fake documents, distributing illicit weapons, and assisting in the unauthorized issuance of licenses. Authorities have emphasized that such activities undermine the integrity of the licensing system and endanger community security. The Guntur police have issued a public appeal urging citizens to refrain from engaging in fraudulent methods to acquire arms licenses. They have also encouraged individuals with knowledge of illegal weapon possession or the circulation of counterfeit licenses to come forward. To ensure the safety of informants, the police have assured them that their identities will remain confidential. This initiative aims to foster greater cooperation from the public in maintaining lawful gun control and preventing criminal misuse of firearms. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing the proliferation of illegal firearms and the associated documentation fraud. With increasing reports of firearm-related crimes in recent years, authorities have intensified efforts to monitor and regulate the arms trade. The current case highlights the need for stricter oversight and enhanced penalties to deter potential offenders. In response to the arrest, local officials have reiterated their commitment to enforcing existing laws and safeguarding public order. They have expressed confidence that the ongoing investigation will lead to the identification of additional suspects and the dismantling of the suspected criminal network. The police have also announced plans to conduct awareness campaigns to educate the public on the legal implications of acquiring and possessing firearms without proper authorization. These measures aim to reduce the incidence of unlawful firearm possession and promote compliance with regulatory frameworks.