Karnataka: Why cops probe Bajrang Dal training camp in Kodagu; CM Basavaraj Bommai says no illegal activities will be allowed

100 participants were trained for using air guns by right-wing Bajrang Dal in a week-long training camp in Kodagu district. It stoked a huge controversy. Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai said on Monday that “no illegal activities” will be allowed on the state’s soil. District police have launched a probe into the alleged incident. It was based on a complaint lodged by Ibrahim, a member of Gonikoppal chapter of Popular Front of India. The PFI activist’s complaint said that air guns were used in the camp conducted at the grounds of a school in Ponnampet of Kodagu district. The activist further said that all 120 participants were given a six inch trishul as memento. Bajrang Dal denied breaking the law as air guns do not attract provisions of Arms Act. The cops have sought a report from the education department whether the school campus could be used for such training camps. The camp was held from May 5 to 11. On May 10, the participants took out a procession in the town. Police said no licence is required to buy air guns, but they were probing whether any action can be initiated for the use of air guns in the open. Bajrang Dal’s south Karnataka convener Raghu Sakaleshapura said air gun and trident or trishul do not come under the Arms Act.