Paras shot gun sans licence to carry one?

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: Former crown prince Paras Shah, it seems, is certainly going to land in the rough for opening fire ‘in a fit of anger’ following an altercation with the kin of Deputy Prime Minister Sujata Koirala.

Kathmandu Chief District Officer Laxmi Prasad Dhakal today said Paras had not obtained a license to possess or carry a firearm from the Kathmandu District Administration Office. “We didn’t find his name in the list of over 13,000 persons licensed to possess firearms,” said Dhakal. “I have no idea if he has obtained the licence from any other district.”

In case Paras has not obtained the licence, he, who enjoyed the royal immunity before the abolition of monarchy, will be charged under Section 5 of the Arms and Ammunition Act, according to which a person shall be punished with imprisonment of three to seven years or with fine ranging from Rs 60,000 to Rs 140,000 or with both.

As per the Arms and Ammunition Act-1962, a person, except security personnel, is required to obtain a licence from DAO to possess or carry firearms. The person found to be eligible to become a licence-holder under the Act might procure licence from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The former crown prince was engaged in a verbal duel with Rubel Choudhary, son-in-law of DPM Koirala, and others in Chitwan on Saturday night and had opened fire into air — for which he, in a press statement, gave an excuse that he was seething with anger over the insult he was subjected to. It was alleged that Paras whipped a gun out and threatened Choudhary and his family with life.

Meanwhile, Choudhary today told mediapersons that he was still in a state of shock. “He pointed a revolver at my forehead and threatened to kill me, my wife and my son,” said Choudhary.

According to Rubel, Paras, who was initially very friendly and was talking about country’s situation and politicians, went berserk after he had his brain on a leash and began charging GP Koirala with playing a key role in abolishing monarchy. “He asked me if I would like to join him for a jungle safari. I refused and it was at that moment, he whipped out the pistol,” recounted Choudhary. “It’s not up to me to seek action against him; I leave it up to the government and authorities what action they take when a civilian is threatened with a gun.”

Asked whether he said anything negative about, as mentioned in Paras’ statement, Choudhary said, “There is no reason for me to dislike Nepal and Nepali people. I am married to someone whose mother is Nepali.”