AK-47s for Hire!

Ghaziabad (UP): Pistols to automatic rifles such as AK-47 are being given for rent by several gangs in Uttar Pradesh.

This astonishing fact was revealed by investigating officers who are probing the murder attempt on the life of BJP leader Brijpal Teotia, 54. It may be recalled that over 100 rounds were fired on Brijpal Teotia on August 12 by unidentified gunmen. Besides the BJP leader, five others were seriously injured in the incident. 25 suspects including a woman constable were arrested in connection with the shooting.

Police officials stated that gangs issue an AK-47 for a deposit of Rs 2 to Rs 3 lakh. Upon returning the rifle, an amount of Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 is deducted and the balance deposit amount is returned. If the rifle is lost or severely damaged, then the “user” has to forfeit the deposit amount, they said. Contract and sub contract assassins generally opt for hiring the weapons to bring down the cost of “operations”, the police said.