Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner M.P. Mullai Muhilan announced on Monday, April 29, that farmers in Dakshina Kannada police district who had complied with the Election Commission’s orders by depositing their weapons with respective police stations or arms dealers might reclaim their weapons.
Context and Conditions for Return
During the enforcement of the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha elections, farmers in possession of weapons, including rifles, for crop protection were instructed to deposit them. While the code of conduct remains effective until the declaration of results, the return order was issued following the completion of the voting process in Dakshina Kannada district. However, this order does not extend to deposits made within Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate limits.
Screening Committee Decision and Guidelines
A screening committee, comprising the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police C.B. Ryshyanth, has decided to allow the return of weapons under specific conditions. These conditions mandate that the weapons should not be displayed publicly and should be utilized solely for crop protection purposes. Additionally, if required, the weapons must be presented before competent government officers for verification.
The release emphasized that any violation of these conditions would result in the confiscation of the weapon and the initiation of legal proceedings under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code.
The decision to permit farmers to reclaim their deposited weapons under specified conditions reflects a balanced approach aimed at ensuring both agricultural security and compliance with electoral regulations in Dakshina Kannada district.
