Jaipur: Rajasthan recorded 639 firing cases involving traders, shopkeepers, passers-by and other civilians between Jan 1, 2024, and Jan 31, 2026, with 66 deaths reported in these incidents, according to information tabled in the state assembly Monday.In its reply to a question by Congress MLA Amin Kagzi, the home department said police recovered illegal firearms in 536 cases, or 90.08% of the total. Weapons could not be recovered in 59 cases, but the govt said no departmental action was taken against any police personnel over the pending recoveries.The assembly reply said 278 cases involved death or grievous injury to traders, citizens, passers-by and others. The govt said details of compensation paid to victims’ families and legal action against the accused were provided as per rules.Dholpur reported the highest number of firing cases at 45, followed by Jaipur Commissionerate, including its North and East districts, with 42 cases. Kotputli-Behror recorded 35 cases, Kota city and rural together 34, and Sikar 33, showing that firing incidents were spread across both urban centres and districts along key transport corridors.The govt said police made complete arrests in 444 cases, while 119 cases saw partial arrests. Accused are still absconding in 16 cases, and charge sheets are yet to be filed in 109 cases. Departmental action for delay in investigation was initiated in only one case, the reply said.On steps to curb gun violence, the home department said, “District police continue to conduct enforcement drives under the supervision of range inspector generals, while Rajasthan Police Headquarters has periodically launched special campaigns against illegal arms.” However, it said there was no proposal to set up special courts or create a separate policing mechanism for firing cases, maintaining that existing resources and budget were adequate.Kagzi said the figures showed the growing menace of illegal firearms and called for stronger action against organised criminal networks. He also questioned the delay in filing charge sheets in more than 100 cases and demanded greater accountability in investigations.“The state of affairs shows that criminals have a free run under the Bhajan Lal Sharma govt and shows they have no control on the gun culture by the organised criminals and gangsters,” Kagzi said.
