Delhi: Selling lottery tickets, property, insurance, escort services and cheaper call rates via SMSes is passe. There's a new item on the menu now-- guns.
When such an SMS was investigated and the corresponding phone number was dialled, it led MiD DAY to shops in Delhi's wholesale markets of Sadar Bazar and Chandni Chowk.
The markets, which are considered a one-stop shop for almost everything under the sun, are selling replicas of the deadly AK-47 assault rifle and R85, which is used mainly by the UK's Royal Marines.
The manufacturers in China have ensured that there should be no structural disparities between the fake and the original. The guns are made of steel and plastic and are not even classified as air guns because had it been the case they would have violated Rule GSR 991 Schedule II (3) of the Arms Act 1959.
The rule spells out the structural and performance nitty-gritty's for air guns, air rifles and air pistols. Also such guns are required to mention the above rule prominently on the butt so that it's known that the gun was made under the specific rules of the Arms Act.
However, the message intending to draw the prospective customers reads: "Pocket size air pistols for target practice/self defense. No licence required."
The AK-47 version can fire upto 350 rubber bullets in one round while the R85 one can spit out upto 450 shells. The sellers are a bit cautious, as they are fully aware that the product might catch the police's eye.
"Whenever an interested buyer approaches us, we show him the regular air guns initially. And the AK-47 and R85 versions are only displayed after gauging the interest of the customer," said a dealer of the toys, wishing not to be named.
"Sadar is one of the biggest markets in Delhi and all kinds of toys are sold here. A number of college-going students have shown immense interest in the guns and we have sold a good number of the replicas to them," another dealer said, requesting anonymity.
He also told MiD DAY that the guns are available at other leading markets in the city and NCR, as maximum toy stores source their goods from them.
However, the guns that are available for Rs 12,000 (AK-47) to Rs 14,000 (R85), have found a new clientele in the small-time gangsters of Uttar Pradesh. "The guns that are operated by batteries are a huge hit in the UP market," a dealer said.
The dealer also revealed that some Resident Welfare Associations have bought the AK-47s for their security guards. However this information could not be confirmed by independent sources.
"I have sold 15 AK-47s and 7 R85s in the last two months to customers from Uttar Pradesh. We can make out where they come from through their mannerisms, and how they inquire about and handle these guns," the dealer said, who says he has been in this business for the last three years.
Indian toy manufacturers are certainly not amused.
Girish Sharma, President of All India air gun and air pistol manufacturers and dealers, said, "The manufacturing of any non-civil weapon like AK 47 and R85 is restricted, according to the law. However all these Chinese products are smuggled into India and the authorities are clueless. The license fee for manufacturing such toys is hefty. As a result our manufacturers are unable to compete. This is denting the Indian toy industry comprehensively."
The police expressed ignorance about such products being available in the market.
When MiD DAY spelt out the details of the guns to ballistic experts they expressed concern.
"It won't be appropriate to comment without examining the guns. However, I have been hearing about such products in the market. According to the specifications you have told me, I can say with conviction that if a person is shot from close range, the gun can cause severe damage," said Retd Col Ajit Sehrawat.