The entire magazine is empty as soon as you press the trigger. Why is AK-47 considered the most dangerous gun in the world?

This weapon is once again in the news after a video surfaced of a policeman pointing and firing an AK-47 rifle during a student demonstration in Siwan, Bihar. After this incident, many questions have started arising in the minds of people. Generally the name of AK-47 is associated with terrorism, war and major security operations and not with student demonstrations. After the incident, Bihar Police has suspended the concerned constable and investigation into the entire matter has been started.

AK-47 is counted among the most popular and most used assault rifles in the world. It was invented by Mikhail Kalashnikov of Russia in 1947. Due to its low price, easy maintenance and better performance even in difficult conditions, this weapon became a part of the armies, paramilitary forces and security agencies of many countries of the world. It is believed that more than 100 million Kalashnikov rifles are in use around the world.

Why is AK-47 considered so dangerous?

1. The rifle operates in two modes: AK-47 has single (S) and repeat (R) mode. In single mode, one bullet is fired when the trigger is pressed, while in repeat mode, bullets can be fired continuously.
2. Long range effect: This rifle can prove fatal even up to a distance of 200 to 300 meters, hence it is considered a very dangerous weapon.
3. Use in Army and Special Operations: AK-47 is not used for maintaining general law and order, but in anti-terrorism operations, war and extremely dangerous operations.

In India too, it is used by Army, CRPF, BSF and special police forces deployed in terrorism or Naxalism affected areas. This is the reason why in the incident in Bihar, the matter became more serious after seeing AK-47 in the hand of a policeman.

What happened during the performance?

On July 25, students were protesting in Siwan, Bihar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Meanwhile, a video went viral on social media, in which a police constable was seen pointing an AK-47 at the protesters and firing in the air. After the incident, Bihar Police confirmed the video and suspended the concerned constable. Police say that the weapon was not used as per the rules and the entire matter is being investigated.

According to BBC report, during the student demonstration in Siwan, Bihar on July 25, the video of AK-47 pointing and firing in the air went viral on social media. According to reports, 25 people were arrested in the protest, while three people were injured, including a minor. However, police say that no one was injured in the firing from AK-47.

Can an AK-47 be used on a crowd?

According to BBC report, former IPS officer Arun Kumar has spoken on this matter. According to him, to control any demonstration or crowd, the police are first trained to use minimum force. First people are warned. After this, if necessary, steps like water cannon, tear gas and lathi charge are taken. If the situation goes completely out of control and people’s lives are in danger, then only aerial firing is done as the last option. He says that the repeat mode of AK-47 is not used to maintain law and order. This weapon has been designed for special circumstances and special operations.

When did AK-47 come to India?

Former IPS officer Rajesh Pandey says that the use of AK-47 in India first started in those areas where there was problem of terrorism and extremism. This rifle was given to security forces in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, North Eastern states and Naxal affected areas. Later this weapon was also made available to some special police units. He told that after the Afghanistan war in the 1980s, AK-47 spread rapidly across the world and gradually reached here through India’s neighboring countries.

Firepower is very dangerous

Talking about weapons, Rajesh Pandey said that in 2008-09, he had received training in many modern weapons in Kosovo under the United Nations Peace Mission. According to him, the firepower of AK-47 is very dangerous. It is easy to operate and its aiming is also considered quite accurate.” He told that the effective range of AK-47 is considered to be 200-300 meters, whereas the old weapons are effective only up to 30-40 meters.

According to Arun Kumar, auto mode is used only in war, anti-terrorism operations or extremely dangerous operations. It should not be used for crowd control or maintaining law and order. At the same time, Rajesh Pandey says that the sound of AK-47 is different, hence people familiar with it can recognize that firing has been done from this rifle just by hearing the sound.

Popular cases related to AK-47 in India

Actor Sanjay Dutt’s name is included in the most discussed cases related to AK-47 in India. An AK-56 rifle was recovered from his house during the investigation of 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts. He was later convicted under the Arms Act, although acquitted on TADA charges. According to experts, AK-56 is the latest version of AK-47.

Another major incident related to AK-47 in India was the Purulia arms case of 1995. At that time, hundreds of AK-47 rifles were dropped from an aircraft in Purulia, West Bengal. Investigation revealed that some of these weapons also reached criminals from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. After this, modern rifles like AK-47 started being made available to the army, paramilitary forces and special police units to deal with terrorism and organized crime.