Clarion India
BENGALURU – The police in Karnataka’s Savalgi booked 27 individuals associated with the Hintuva outfits Sri Rama Sene on the charges of trespassing and violations of the Arms Act for organizing a firearms training camp in Bagalkot district last month.
The case was registered on Tuesday, January 7, based on a complaint filed by one Ningappa Shivappa Hugar.
The Sri Rama Sene conducted the weapons training camp at the Kashi Lingeshwar temple in Todalbagi village, Bagalkot district, between December 25 and 29.
In his complaint, Ningappa alleged that he and his brother own the land on which the Sri Rama Sene members had illegally organized the camp. He stated that the group had trespassed on the property, for which he demanded legal action against the 27 accused.
“They not only entered the land illegally without permission but also conducted arms training and target practice. Photos of the event were released on social media, creating fear among the public,” Ningappa said in his complaint.
Bagalkot Superintendent of Police Y Amarnath Reddy said, “Action was taken after receiving the complaint from the landowner. An investigation is ongoing.” He directed Deputy Superintendent of Police Jamkhandi to determine whether the guns used at the camp were firearms or airguns. “The report has not yet been submitted,” Reddy added.
The accused were booked under Section 329(3) (trespassing) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, and Section 30 of the Arms Act, 1959, which deals with violations of arms license conditions.
Earlier, the All India Lawyers’ Association for Justice (AILAJ) had demanded legal action against Sri Rama Sene, slamming the police for their initial inaction. In a letter to the Karnataka Director General of Police, AILAJ highlighted a pattern of similar activities conducted by extremist groups in the state. They pointed out such actions disrupt communal harmony and promote violence against minorities, Dalits, and progressive thinkers.
Citing incidents like the murders of journalist Gauri Lankesh and rationalist M.M. Kalburgi, AILAJ argued that unchecked activities, such as these camps, pose significant risks to society. They urged the authorities to book the organizers under Sections 25 (punishment for certain offenses) and 27 (punishment for using arms) of the Arms Act, as well as under Sections 61 (criminal conspiracy) and 189 (unlawful assembly) of the BNS.
