Following the announcement of parliamentary polls and with the imposition of Model Code of Conduct, the district administration, Bokaro, asked the licensed weapon holders to deposit their arms and ammunition by 24 March.

Deputy Commissioner Bokaro, Dr. Shailesh Kumar Chourasia, said in case, any licence holder failed to deposit the arms, their licences would be cancelled and appropriate action would be taken against them.

He said the weapon holders could deposit the same with the police station concerned of their area or with registered gun houses as soon as possible.

Arms licence holders usually include bank managers, businessmen, former police officers and ex-servicemen. Many also keep guns for self- protection or status symbol.

The election code of conduct mandates arms licence holders to deposit their weapons at the police station. Stern action would be taken against those who violate the rule, said an official.

The District Collectors in their capacity as District Magistrates are empowered to grant a licence to Non-Prohibited Bore while the Union Home Ministry is the licensing authority for Prohibited Bore arms, he said.

The Home Department has already compiled a database of arms licence holders in the State. This was done in accordance with a directive from the Centre to prepare a nationwide catalog of arms license holders, said the official.

Meanwhile few gun owners demanded exemption from the rule include mostly security guards involved in escorting vehicles carrying cash to banks and ATMs.