<p>Belagavi: In response to a recent stabbing incident involving minors, the Belagavi City Police have formed dedicated Anti-Stabbing Squads to monitor and crack down on the possession and display of knives, swords, and other sharp weapons in public.</p><p>Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase said the move comes after a shocking incident on Wednesday, where a student was stabbed by two minors over a dispute for a window seat on a city bus. “This was a wake-up call. We are taking this issue seriously,” he said.</p><p>According to Borase, the newly formed Anti-Stabbing Squads will consist of five to six members each. These teams will patrol the City, stop and frisk suspicious individuals, and inspect vehicles for concealed weapons.</p><p><strong>Strict legal action</strong></p><p>Those found carrying weapons such as knives, swords, or machetes will be booked under the Arms Act, and a rowdy sheet will be opened in their names-- a measure that requires offenders to regularly report to the police, particularly during festivals. “This will not only act as a deterrent but also place them under constant surveillance,” Borase added.</p><p><strong>Disturbing trends</strong></p><p>Authorities have expressed concern over an emerging trend among youth, including minors, carrying knives and even swords in public, not just for intimidation or crime, but also for acts as trivial as cutting birthday cakes or displaying bravado.</p><p>In a recent case, police arrested a man in Gandhi Nagar who was seen brandishing a sword near the railway tracks to intimidate the public.</p><p>Borase urged citizens to cooperate in reporting suspicious behaviour and emphasised that carrying weapons in public spaces will not be tolerated under any circumstances.</p>
<p>Belagavi: In response to a recent stabbing incident involving minors, the Belagavi City Police have formed dedicated Anti-Stabbing Squads to monitor and crack down on the possession and display of knives, swords, and other sharp weapons in public.</p><p>Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase said the move comes after a shocking incident on Wednesday, where a student was stabbed by two minors over a dispute for a window seat on a city bus. “This was a wake-up call. We are taking this issue seriously,” he said.</p><p>According to Borase, the newly formed Anti-Stabbing Squads will consist of five to six members each. These teams will patrol the City, stop and frisk suspicious individuals, and inspect vehicles for concealed weapons.</p><p><strong>Strict legal action</strong></p><p>Those found carrying weapons such as knives, swords, or machetes will be booked under the Arms Act, and a rowdy sheet will be opened in their names-- a measure that requires offenders to regularly report to the police, particularly during festivals. “This will not only act as a deterrent but also place them under constant surveillance,” Borase added.</p><p><strong>Disturbing trends</strong></p><p>Authorities have expressed concern over an emerging trend among youth, including minors, carrying knives and even swords in public, not just for intimidation or crime, but also for acts as trivial as cutting birthday cakes or displaying bravado.</p><p>In a recent case, police arrested a man in Gandhi Nagar who was seen brandishing a sword near the railway tracks to intimidate the public.</p><p>Borase urged citizens to cooperate in reporting suspicious behaviour and emphasised that carrying weapons in public spaces will not be tolerated under any circumstances.</p>
