Bihar: Crackdown on Celebratory Firing in West Champaran, Jail Time and Heavy Fines for Offenders

Bettiah, 17th December 2023: In a bid to curb the alarming rise in incidents of celebratory firing, West Champaran (Bettiah) police have announced stringent measures. Anyone discharging a firearm during weddings or joyous occasions will now face immediate arrest and hefty fines. The crackdown aims to address the rising menace of unbridled firing, which has led to casualties and injuries during festive events.

Inspector Satish Chandra Madhav stated that open firing is a serious offence, often resulting in harm to innocent bystanders and instilling fear among the public. The police have devised a comprehensive plan to take decisive action against individuals engaging in celebratory gunfire.

Firing even a licensed weapon without a justifiable reason is deemed a criminal act. In such cases, not only will the license be revoked, but a First Information Report (FIR) will be filed, and legal proceedings will be initiated against the offender.

The penalties for harsh firing are substantial, including imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of Rs 1 lakh, or both. Furthermore, individuals instigating celebratory firing will also face legal consequences. Event organizers can also be held accountable if their involvement in celebratory firing is suspected.

In instances where celebratory firing occurs during weddings, birthdays, or other functions, the police will register FIRs against organizers with suspicious roles. Stringent legal action will follow these registrations.

Recent Cases Highlight the Severity of the Issue:

June 2023: Aftab Alam, son of Baharul Hoda from Telpur in the Lauria police station area, was arrested for celebratory firing. Seized from his residence were an air gun, six 12 bore cartridges, six 315 bore cartridges, and two revolver cartridges. The arrest followed the circulation of a video showing celebratory gunfire at a neighbor’s wedding.

February 2022: Arun Das and Aurangzeb Alam of Madhopur Sheikh Toli were arrested for celebratory firing in Madhopur village of Majholia. The arrests were made after a video of the firing circulated online.

March 2022: Saurav Kumar of Shikarpur village, near Lohiaria Chowk of Chanpatia police station area, was shot in the leg during celebratory firing at a wedding procession. The incident left him hospitalized for months, impacting his health.

November 2022: In Karbolwa village of Kudwamathiya Panchayat, celebratory firing during an orchestra at a wedding injured Sheshnath Sah (47). The incident led to a stampede, and Sheshnath was taken to GMCH Bettiah for treatment.

With the police taking a firm stance against reckless firing, these cases serve as a stark reminder of the potential harm caused by such celebratory actions. The crackdown aims to create a safer environment during festive occasions and ensure the well-being of the public.