What Steps is K'taka's Belagavi Taking to Prevent Knife Crimes?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Anti-Stabbing Unit aims to curb knife violence.
- Team of officers will patrol public areas.
- Legal actions under the Arms Act for violators.
- Minors caught will face serious consequences.
- Community safety is a priority for Belagavi Police.
Belagavi (Karnataka), June 19 (NationPress) - Belagavi Police Commissioner Bhushan Gulabrao Borase has unveiled plans for an Anti-Stabbing Unit aimed at detecting and curbing the tendency of individuals, particularly minors, to carry knives and other hazardous weapons in public spaces.
This announcement was made during a press conference following a stabbing incident involving two minors who clashed over a window seat on a bus.
“It's alarming to see these young individuals walking around openly with knives and engaging in violence. To prevent future occurrences, we will establish the Anti-Stabbing Unit by tomorrow,” he emphasized.
A team of five to six officers will patrol public areas in a vehicle. “With the authority granted by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the CrPC, we are empowered to stop and search individuals we find suspicious. We will inspect their pockets and vehicles,” the Police Commissioner explained.
“Those found possessing dangerous weapons such as knives or swords will be charged under the Arms Act. Anyone caught in Belagavi with such items will face legal repercussions,” he warned.
He further elaborated, “We won’t just file a case under the Arms Act - we will also initiate a rowdy sheet against them. This will require them to report to the police station during festivals or significant events.”
In a stern warning, the Commissioner stated, “This serves as a warning to those wielding knives and other weapons: do not challenge the law.”
Detailing the recent stabbing incident, he mentioned an argument between Maaz Abdul Rasheed Sannadi and another juvenile regarding a bus window seat, as reported by witnesses.
After the altercation, the juvenile contacted a friend. When the bus halted, the friend - also a minor - confronted and verbally assaulted Rasheed before stabbing him. Rasheed is now in critical condition, according to the Commissioner.
Upon receiving the alert, a team led by DCP Rohan Jagadish, along with city inspectors, initiated an investigation. The suspects were apprehended within 30 minutes. As both individuals are minors, legal proceedings will follow the established protocols.
“We are undertaking a thorough investigation and are committed to ensuring that the juveniles are held accountable for their actions,” stated Police Commissioner Borase.