Former Home Minister and BJP MLA Araga Jnanendra has called on the Karnataka government to issue gun licences to residents of the Malnad region due to a surge in theft and robbery cases in rural areas. Jnanendra highlighted that many people in the region live in isolated houses among farms and plantations, making them easy targets for criminals. He expressed concerns over the police’s reluctance to provide gun licences, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures.
Jnanendra, addressing the Assembly during a session, pointed out the escalating theft incidents in the region, particularly in Thirthahalli and Shivamogga over the past three years. He stressed that the Malnad region had not witnessed such a high rate of theft cases previously and attributed the rise to the lack of firearm possession among residents. The MLA emphasized that gun ownership among farmers had served as a deterrent to criminal activities in the past.
The former Home Minister highlighted the historical practice of farmers owning guns for self-protection in the region, which he claimed had effectively prevented criminal elements from operating freely. However, he expressed disappointment over the authorities’ refusal to renew existing licences or issue new ones to farmers, leading to a spike in theft incidents. Jnanendra urged the government to reconsider its stance on gun licences to ensure the safety of residents in the face of growing criminal activities.
Responding to Jnanendra’s concerns, Home Minister G. Parameshwara assured that the police department was taking necessary actions to address the security challenges in the Malnad region. Parameshwara emphasized the deployment of surveillance infrastructure, including a significant number of CCTV cameras in Shivamogga and Thirthahalli. He dismissed claims of police negligence and reiterated the commitment to preventing robberies and thefts in the region through enhanced vigilance and patrolling measures.
