Published Sep 21, 2022 | 11:45 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 21, 2022 | 11:46 PM
On August 14, the eve of Independence Day, Goud reportedly opened fire into the air from an Insas rifle belonging to a policeman to flag off a freedom rally in his Assembly Constituency Mahbubnagar. (V Srinivas Goud/Twitter)
After Telangana Sports and Excise Minister V Srinivas Goud firing of a police constable’s rifle last month triggered a row, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), in response to an RTI query, revealed on Wednesday, 21 September, that it was illegal for an association member to open fire in public.
The query was filed by Hyderabad-based RTI activist Robin Zaccheus, who previously filed RTIs on the construction and maintenance of Pragathi Bhavan, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao’s home cum residence, and over the BJP’s claim that Hyderabad was historically known as Bhagyanagar.
Zaccheus filed the fresh query on Tuesday, 23 August, posing a total of six questions, including the details of membership of Goud and whether an NRAI member is allowed to open fire a fire comprising rubber or metal bullets.
On 14 August, the eve of Independence Day, Goud reportedly opened fire into the air from an Insas rifle belonging to a policeman. The action was to ostensibly flag off a freedom rally in his Assembly constituency Mahbubnagar.
Goud later refuted the charges and clarified that he opened fire using rubber bullets, and that being the sports minister, he had a licence to operate weapons.
V Srinivas opens fire. (Screengrab)
As per Delhi-based NRAI, Goud has been a life member of the association since 5 February last year.
Asked whether a member was allowed to open fire into the air in public with a self-loading rifle issued to a cop, the NRAI denied it.
The association was of the same view when asked about the type of bullets — rubber and metal — a member was permitted to open fire with.
“It is illegal for all to open fire in public using police rifles,” the response said.
Zaccheus told South First, “Basically, I did not believe any statement that Goud made in public, like he was a member of the NRAI. So, the first thing I wanted to do was verify whether he was speaking the truth about his membership.”
While pointing out his question about permission to Goud to open fire in public with a rubber or metal bullet irrespective of his membership of the NRAI, Zaccheus said, “It [the membership] does not authorise him to open fire even with a rubber bullet. It is also a violation of the law as the word ‘illegal’ is mentioned in the response.”
Zaccheus, who is also the president of the National Backward Class Welfare Association, demanded that the Telangana police take immediate action against the Minister and book him under the 1959 Arms Act — which deals with the punishment for illegal possession and use of firearms.
“Why should the public accept such conduct from ministers and leaders as they can’t hold a public rifle and open fire?” he asked, adding that such action also endangered public life.
The Hyderabad-based activist also demanded that the NRAI take a suo Motu cognizance and cancel the membership of Goud. “I will write to the NRAI to take an action as he is misusing his membership,” he said.
South First tried to reach Goud and Telangana Police Director General of Police (DGP) Mahender Reddy for their responses, but they did not respond.
