Firearms banned in South Goa for Oct 30 bye-election

Panaji, Oct 1 (UNI) Carrying of arms and ammunition and weapons in public places in South Goa had been banned with immediate effect till November 7, in view of the October 30 bye-election to Mormugao Parliamentary constituency.

The ban was notified under section 144 of CrPC which, however, exempted the public servants, including law enforcing authorities and defence personnel, from its purview to ensure peaceful conduct of the elections.

The district magistrate had directed all the arms licence holders (general public) to surrender their weapons at the nearby police stations before October 15 in view of the bye-elections.

The violators would face cancellation/revocation of licences and confiscation of the firearms besides criminal prosecution, the authorities warned.

UNI