Gadag: The Karnataka government is facing criticism for its alleged failure to investigate the controversial firearm training sessions reportedly conducted by the Hindutva far-right group Sri Rama Sene in Bagalkote's Jamkhandi. Critics have termed the government's response inadequate, accusing it of engaging in mere eyewash over the issue.
It is to be recalled that a five-day arms and combat training camp was conducted by Sri Rama Sene in Todalabagi village, Jamkhandi taluk, Bagalkote district, Karnataka, between December 25 and 29 last year.
Writer and progressive activist Basavaraj Sulibhavi expressed his outrage, questioning the lack of action against those involved. Addressing a press conference on Monday, he warned that certain communal organizations are using such activities to radicalize innocent youth, potentially leading to criminal acts.
The FIR filed in the case mentions that firearm training was provided to 186 individuals, and photographs of these sessions have circulated widely on social media. However, Sulibhavi alleged that the FIR lacks critical details and appears superficial.
The activist revealed that 27 individuals, including seven from Gadag, were named in the FIR, but specifics about their roles remain unclear. He criticized the government and police for failing to adequately investigate the source of the firearms and their distribution.
Sulibhavi further demanded that organizations involved in such activities be identified as threats to social harmony and be banned. He urged the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government to take immediate action, including registering sedition cases against Sri Rama Sene leader Pramod Muthalik and banning the organization.
He also emphasized the need to form a task force to prevent such incidents, seize illegal weapons, and address internal security concerns. Sulibhavi reiterated that these measures are essential for maintaining law and order in the state.
Earlier, the All-India Lawyers’ Association for Justice (AILAJ) sent a letter to Karnataka DGP Alok Mohan, seeking action. The letter stated: “The police department has not taken any action against the organizers of this incident so far. Media reports indicate that the Bagalkote SP has stated that a probe is underway, but this is unacceptable. The police should have registered a suo motu case against those conducting weapon training, but no such case has been registered.”
It is also worth noting that Sri Rama Sene leader Pramod Muthalik has defended the training camps, claiming they are held annually. “We use air guns to train youth, usually those aged between 20 and 35 years. After the videos went viral, the police asked us to produce the guns, which we have done. Our aim is to instill nationalism and prepare youth for adverse situations,” Muthalik stated.