- Karnataka has given people living near forest areas until November 1 to surrender unlicensed firearms.
- Eligible residents who surrender unauthorised weapons will be allowed to apply for legal firearm licences.
- Authorities warned of serious legal action against people found possessing unlicensed guns after the deadline.
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has announced a one-time opportunity for residents living near forest areas to surrender unlicensed firearms kept for self-defence. The surrender window will remain open until November 1.
Shivakumar made the announcement on Friday while addressing the media alongside Karnataka Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy. He said people possessing unauthorised guns for protection should voluntarily hand them over within the specified period.
The government has also indicated that residents with genuine security needs will be able to seek legal firearm licences if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Karnataka Unlicensed Guns Must Be Surrendered by November 1
Shivakumar appealed to residents near forest borders to surrender all unauthorised weapons in their possession before the deadline.
He said the government does not want unlicensed firearms to remain inside homes and assured eligible applicants that their applications for proper licences would be considered through the legal process.
The Chief Minister also said the Forest and Police departments would hold a joint meeting on the issue and that he would inform the Director General of Police.
Government Warns of Action After Deadline
Shivakumar referred to an earlier campaign during former Chief Minister Ramakrishna Hegde’s tenure, when thousands of unlicensed guns were reportedly surrendered.
He warned that people found keeping unauthorised firearms after November 1 could face serious legal consequences. The Chief Minister said authorities would use information gathered at the local level to identify illegal weapons.
The initiative is aimed at removing unverified firearms from households while providing eligible residents with a legal route to obtain licences where necessary.
Bengaluru Arms Case Adds to Firearms Concerns
The announcement comes amid a recent arms-related police case in Bengaluru.
On August 28, police reported that a suspected arms maker, identified as 34-year-old Zeeshan, was injured in a police firing incident near Somasundara Palya Lake in the Bandepalya police station area.
According to police, a team had gone to locate Zeeshan following information about his alleged involvement in arms-related activities. Police said he allegedly attacked constable Sandeep Kamble with a weapon during the confrontation.
The constable suffered an injury to his left hand. Police said PSI Sachin Gowda first fired a warning shot into the air before subsequently firing at Zeeshan’s right leg when the alleged attack continued.
Police Register Case Under BNS and Arms Act
Both Zeeshan and constable Sandeep Kamble were taken to Sanjay Gandhi Trauma Centre in Jayanagar for treatment. Police said both were safe and receiving medical attention.
A forensic and scene-of-crime team examined the location, while senior police officials reviewed the incident.
A case was registered at Bandepalya Police Station under Crime No. 175/2026, invoking Sections 109, 132 and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 25(1)(a) of the Arms Act.
The recent case and the government’s new surrender window underline Karnataka’s focus on identifying and regulating unauthorised firearms, particularly in areas where residents have traditionally cited security concerns as a reason for keeping weapons.
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