Corbett's iconic gun gathers dust in police custody

A historic gun once presented by legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett lies neglected in the storeroom of the Kaladhungi police station in Uttarakhand. The vintage muzzleloader, which Corbett gifted to a local farmer for crop protection, has remained out of public view since 2019 due to bureaucratic red tape.

The 150th birth anniversary of Edward James 'Jim' Corbett was celebrated with great fanfare in Choti Haldwani (Nainital) on July 25. The events included a theatrical tribute to Corbett and folk songs performed by village women in his honour. Yet, one key attraction was missing: the iconic gun.

Jim Corbett remains an unforgettable figure across Garhwal and Kumaon for eliminating dozens of man-eating tigers and leopards. Locals praised him for restoring peace to their lives. He is remembered not only for his bravery but also for his vivid literary portrayals of Himalayan life and the human-wildlife conflict. 

The story of the gun dates back to the 1920s, when Corbett gifted it to Sher Singh Negi of Choti Haldwani to protect his crops from wild boars. After Sher Singh’s death, the weapon was transferred to his son, Trilok Singh Negi.

Mohan Pandey, secretary of the Corbett Gram Vikas Samiti, says, “The gun was a prized attraction. Tourists would pose with it as a souvenir. But after Trilok Singh’s death in 2019, the process of transferring the gun to his son Mohit Negi began, and it’s still incomplete."

Choti Haldwani, now a heritage village and an emerging tourism destination, was purchased by Corbett in 1915. He helped settle local villagers and introduced them to banana, grape and maize cultivation. 

Today, about 15 families in the village operate homestays and conduct heritage walks, showcasing Corbett’s link with the place. These include his friend Moti Singh’s house, the crop-protection wall and the Chaupal (village meeting place) where Corbett used to meet villagers/guests. 

The gun was once a highlight for tourists visiting the Negi family home, but that tradition ended when it was deposited at the Kaladhungi police station in 2019.

Mohit Negi says, "The gun hasn’t worked in 15 years. I submitted it on September 26, 2019, as part of the local election process. We tried to repair it, but it’s now purely for display."

The issue was raised during the recent 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Corbett at the Corbett Tiger Reserve. At the time, Uttarakhand Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal assured that efforts would be made to expedite the completion of official formalities.

(The writer is a senior journalist based in Uttarakhand)

Jim Corbett gifted the gun to a farmer in Uttarakhand