Reports of an arms training camp conducted by the Sri Rama Sene, a right-wing organisation, in a village in Bagalkot district, have prompted a police inquiry into the incident.
Pictures of the five-day camp, organised in Todalbagi village in Jamkhandi taluk, began to be circulated on social media a few days ago, reported Kannada daily Vartha Bharati.
Bagalkot SP Amarnath Reddy told TNM, “We are inquiring into the incident; about what kind of arms were used, whether they were firearms or airguns.” He said that action would be taken if there were any signs of illegal activity being carried out.
A police officer told TNM that an inquiry is underway and that Todalbagi village was under Savalagi police station limits. “The camp was held between Dec 25 and 29. On the last day they had done gun training. We are verifying whether they used airguns or actual firearms. The organisers are saying they organised a personality development programme.”
Two years ago, Siddaramaiah had taken the then BJP government to task over the Bajrang Dal holding an arms training camp at a school in Madikeri, Kodagu district. Around 100 participants had been taught how to use airguns and tridents. Several BJP leaders such as CT Ravi and KG Bopaiah had defended the Bajrang Dal, while Congress leaders demanded action against the organisers.
Sri Rama Sene chief Pramod Muthalik had said in September 2021 that the Sene would organise “physical training” camps in which yoga, karate, surya namaskar, and lathi prahar (stick fighting) would be taught.