Bagalkot police to provide rifle training to shepherds

Bagalkot: Bagalkot district police have decided to organise a weeklong rifle training camp for shepherds. The decision comes following an incident wherein thieves killed a shepherd who thwarted their attempt to steal sheep in Uagalwat village of Badami taluk in the district.
The police department has been organising rifle training for citizens in various parts of the state but organising a training camp exclusively for shepherds is said to be the first in the state.
Sheep thieves killed Sharanappa Jummanakatti when he tried to chase them away while they were attempting to steal the sheep. The killing of the shepherd has sent shockwaves among the people of the community. Badami police succeeded in nabbing the killers within 24 hours. There were several protests demanding protection for the shepherds and sheep.
Bagalkot SP Y Amaranath Reddy told TOI that he held discussion with his officers on what could be done to protect the animals and those who rear them. It was suggested at the meeting that the shepherds should be trained in using the arms for self-defence and accordingly the rifle training camp has been planned.
The SP said the camp will be organised from April 7 to 13 at the Police Training Centre and 200 people will be trained in the first batch. "Our officers have reached out to the shepherds in Badami, Bilagi and Bagalkot among others where the cases of sheep theft are rampant and explained to the people the importance of being trained in using rifles. The response is encouraging," he said.
Anyone who is below 60 years of age can enroll their names for the training camp and there is no minimum educational qualification fixed for enrolment.
He said eight cases of sheep theft had been registered last year in the district of which seven were detected and the culprits were arrested. "Shepherds are hard workers and take their sheep for grazing in isolated hillocks. The very knowledge that they possess rifles and are trained in using them will deter the sheep thieves from venturing further," SP Amaranath said.
Those above the age of 18 with no criminal records can apply for enrolment. They have to obtain an application form from the Police Armory in Police Headquarters and submit the filled-up form along with police verification certificate, identity card and three passport size photos on or before April 5. For more details, call 94808 03906/ 94808 03937.