Announcing a review of security personnel deployed with protectees from outside the state, the Punjab Police has decided to conduct an inquiry into arms licences from Punjab being issued to Sukhdev Singh Namdhari despite him being a resident of Uttarakhand. “How can an arms licence be issued to him? We will conduct an inquiry into the matter (police role) and take appropriate action,” said Sumedh Singh Saini, director general of police.

Delhi Police on Sunday had recovered a 7.62 mm pistol and five cartridges from Namdhari’s residence. The gun was allegedly used in the shootout.

On the deployment of Punjab policemen with protectees from outside the state, Saini said though he was not exactly aware of such cases, but added that a review would be conducted. “We will remove unwarranted security cover attached with non-Punjab domicile persons after receipt of a review report,” he said. Ponty Chadha was said to be enjoying Punjab police cover for a long time.

“We had removed over 3,500 cops from security duty during the previous review,” he said. Cases of “unauthorised” cover provided to private persons would also be looked into, he said.