MUMBAI: It is made only to kill. Just in case anyone survives after being hit by it, the consequences can be deadly and one can even be paralysed for life.
Doctors at the JJ Group of hospital, who had earlier performed several surgeries on victims hit by pistols, revolvers or even a .303, are now facing the toughest moments of their profession.
The reason: Removing bullets of AK- 47 and AK-56 from those injured is turning out to be one highly complicated procedure.
‘‘The major task before us was the reconstruction of broken bones which was caused due to the hit by an AK bullet.
If anyone is hit by a pistol or a revolver, the bullet normally does not pierce deep into the body. But the case with an AK bullet is totally different. It penetrates deep and breaks the bones and the pain is just unimaginable,’’ senior doctors at JJ hospital told Express.
While normal surgeries (on being hit by pistols or revolvers) lasts merely 45 minutes, the doctors, using the latest equipment, are struggling for close to two hours to remove the bullets fired from an AK assault rifle.
‘‘We are taking utmost precaution as the injured can be paralysed for life.
Many of those who died suffered bullet wounds on their heads. In case, had they survived, it would have led to sure shot loss of vision,’’ the doctors explained.
Police officials said that the magazine of an AK-47 contains 30 rounds and all can be fired upon in little over three seconds.
There is also the single shot round wherein the user can fire one bullet as and when required. It can be fired upon with a range of 800 to 1,000 metres.
‘‘The length of the 7.62 x 39 AK-47 cartridge is 870 mm. When fired upon, it results in severe wounding and subsequent death. The maiming effects of the slow moving unstable bullets is what is disastrous on the human body,’’ officials explained.
‘‘Most of those injured who were treated here were hit badly as the pierced into the body and broke the bones. We are using modern equipment and the best expertise to carefully remove the bullet. But chances of the injured being paralysed is always there,’’ the doctors warned.
They added that unlike other bullets, the ones fired from AK-47s pierce deep into the organs which was a major challenge to the doctors, who for the first time have been on the job of performing a large number of such complicated surgeries.