Karnataka

Misfiring arms cases to be probed

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BANGALORE: The internal security wing of the home department will look into the two misfiring incidents involving security staff of cash ferrying vans, in the past three days.

Bhaskar Rao, IGP, Internal Security, told TOI, “So far, we haven’t received any official information. Being the licensing agency, we’ll look into the cases and if we find the private security firms were not following rules or handling weapons without care, we’ll take appropriate action.”

Senior police officers blame the security personnel’s lack of training for such mishaps. Monday’s accident involved an ex-Armyman, while the security officer whose gun misfired on Wedensday did not have any service background.

Security agencies are allowed to use weapons belonging to ‘non-prohibited bore’ category. Prohibited bores are handguns, rifles and other guns used by the military, paramilitary and police forces in the country. “For example, assault rifles are prohibited for use by the public. Weapons like double-barrel guns are allowed,” a senior police officer said.

However, the officer said if not handled properly, even such weapons can misfire. “Fortunately, in both incidents there were no deaths. However, some of the weapons in the non-prohibited bore category can also cause death. There is a need to lay down proper procedures to handle these weapons in public places. Any misfire can be prevented by taking precautionary action,” the officer added.

A Marudai, secretary, Karnataka Security Service Association, said though training modules are prescribed, implementation is up to individual private agencies. “Security agencies should have training in handling weapons for their gunmen every six months. They should also conduct firing drills. This is mandatory,” he said.

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