The push for the notification despite the long-pending need came after the gruesome murder of an RSS worker in... Read More

BENGALURU: Possession of swords , machetes , kirpans (religious symbol of the Sikhs) and kukris (traditional Nepali Gurkha knives) has been banned in Bengaluru.

From time immemorial, longu (machete) and macchu (sickle) have been used to portray gruesome scenes on the big screen. Easily procured, the weapons have been favourites of rowdy-sheeters. While police have been able to apprehend offenders, on most occasions they have been told the weapons were procured for industrial or agricultural use.

On August 28, the government issued an order banning acquisition, possession and carrying of arms without licence, specified in category V of the schedule I of the Arms Rules of 2016, in public places under the jurisdiction of Bengaluru.

Additional chief secretary (home) Subash Chandra said: "The notification was long in the works of Bengaluru police and needed to be given a formal shape. We vetted the content with the law department and finally issued the notification."

According to sources, the push for the notification despite the long-pending need came after the gruesome murder of RSS worker Rudresh in Shivajinagar. Home department officials claimed the notification was issued on the request of the police commissioner's office a couple of months ago. Explaining the rationale behind the notification, Chandra said on several occasions, legal loopholes have been exploited by lawyers representing anti-social elements and those found in possession of these non-firearms. "Till date, the police department didn't have the power to seize and secure these weapons. They needed legal backing to ensure weapons seized during criminal activities and gang wars are impounded," he said.

On the issue of kirpans, Chandra said there is no need for an exemption as Sikhs are protected under other state laws. However, former chief secretary Chiranjeevi Singh said the ban on kirpans will not hamper the community's freedom to carry the swords.

Another weapon regularly used by private security guards which has now been banned in public domain is the baton. Licences are issued to guards for lawfully carrying the weapons, if required, said Chandra.

