In a decisive move to combat the alarming trend of weapon proliferation in public spaces and on social media, on Friday, the Ahmedabad City Crime Branch launched a dedicated campaign targeting individuals who brandish or promote dangerous armaments. This initiative aims to enhance public safety and foster a sense of security within the community.

The campaign specifically addresses the public carriage of weapons – including knives, daggers, swords, and firearms – as well as the dissemination of images featuring these items on popular platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Authorities have expressed concern over the growing trend of individuals flaunting weapons online, which they believe could incite violence and create an atmosphere of fear among residents.

To facilitate community involvement, the Crime Branch has introduced a WhatsApp helpline number: 63596 25365. Citizens are encouraged to report sightings of individuals carrying weapons or posting related content by sharing photographs, names, and addresses or locations.

The department assures informants that their identities will remain confidential and mentions the possibility of suitable rewards for valuable information.

The necessity for this campaign arises from recent incidents where the display of weapons has escalated into violent confrontations, posing significant risks to public safety.

By addressing both the physical presence of weapons and their virtual promotion, authorities aim to mitigate potential threats before they materialise.

Mehul Chauhan, Crime Branch Police inspector stated “Upon receiving a complaint via the WhatsApp helpline, we will initiate a prompt investigation to verify the information. If the complaint is substantiated, appropriate legal action will be taken against the individual(s) involved, which may include arrest and prosecution under relevant sections of the law. This swift response is intended to serve as a deterrent to others who might consider similar actions.”

How to report weapon-related incidents to ACB?

If you witness someone carrying dangerous weapons in public or posting images of weapons on social media, follow these steps to report the incident:

Step 1: Gather evidence  

If you see a person carrying a weapon (knife, dagger, sword, gun, etc.) in a public place, try to take a clear photograph or video (only if it is safe to do so).  

If you come across social media posts featuring such weapons, take a screenshot with details like username, date, and time.  

Step 2: Collect information  

Note down the person’s name (if known), their appearance, and any other identifying details.  

If possible, record the exact location where the individual was seen.  

Step 3: Report via whatsApp  

Open WhatsApp and create a new message.  

Send the photograph, video, or screenshot along with the details (name, location, time, and any other relevant information) to 63596 25365 (Ahmedabad Crime Branch’s official WhatsApp number).  

Step 4: Identity protection & reward  

Your identity will be kept confidential to ensure your safety.  

If your report leads to a successful action, you may receive a suitable reward.  

Step 5: Authorities’ response  

The Crime Branch will verify the information you provided.  

If the report is genuine, they will take legal action, which may include investigation, arrest, or prosecution.  

Step 6: Follow-up (If needed)  

You may receive a follow-up message from the Crime Branch for additional details.  

If you notice further incidents, continue to report them.