Bengaluru, May 17 (FN Agency) The Popular Front of India (PFI) has lodged a complaint against air gun training carried out by Bajrang Dal activists during a week-long camp in a Kodagu district school, police said on Tuesday. Based on the complaint by PFI member Ibrahim, the police have launched a probe and sought report from the Karnataka Education Department whether it can allow air gun training on school grounds. The training was conducted at a school located in Ponnampet town from May 5 to 11. The trainees also held a procession in the town on May 10. The issue has created a ripple in the state politics with the ruling and opposition parties getting into a tug-of-war.
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said his government will not allow any illegal activities. Defending the training, National General Secretary and BJP MLA CT Ravi argued that it is a part of self-defence course. “The trainees did not get training in AK-47s and bombs. This sort of training for Bajrang Dal activists is given for their self-defence. This is held every year,” he said. Karnataka Congress demanded the arrest of Bajrang Dal leaders for imparting arms training to young students on school premises. Leader of Opposition in state assembly Siddaramaiah alleged that by imparting training in air gun, Bajrang Dal has challenged the country’s law and order.
“Do we have a Home minister or Education Minister in Karnataka? Is the government still alive?” he asked. He also lambasted BJP leaders Appachu Ranjan, KG Bopaiah and Suja Kushalappa for participating in the Shaurya Prashikshana Varga event of Bajrang Dal. “They do not have any commitment towards our Constitution,” he alleged. Siddaramaiah contended that arms training is against the law and the Home Minister should file a case against Bajrang Dal leaders and arrest them. Education minister BC Nagesh should also take action against the school authorities for allowing Bajrang Dal to organise illegal activities, he demanded. The Hindu outfit argued that it had not violated law as air guns and tridents do not come under the purview of the Arms Act.