In response to a shocking stabbing incident involving two juveniles, Belagavi Police Commissioner Bhushan Gulabrao Borase announced the formation of a dedicated Anti-Stabbing Unit to curb the rising trend of minors carrying knives and dangerous weapons in public.
The move follows an altercation between two minors over a window seat on a bus, where one called in a friend, who later stabbed the victim, Maaz Abdul Rasheed Sannadi. Rasheed is now in critical condition. The police apprehended both minors within 30 minutes of the attack.
Addressing the media on Thursday, Commissioner Borase said, “It’s alarming that children are openly carrying weapons. This unit will prevent such crimes before they escalate.” The Anti-Stabbing Unit, to be operational within a day, will consist of 5–6 officers patrolling public spaces with the authority to frisk individuals and check vehicles under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and CrPC.
“Those found with knives or swords will be booked under the Arms Act, and we will also open rowdy sheets against repeat offenders, requiring them to report to police during festivals and major events,” he warned.
He issued a strong message: “If you carry weapons, be prepared to face serious legal consequences. We won’t tolerate this anymore.”
DCP Rohan Jagadish and his team are conducting a scientific investigation, with a focus on ensuring juvenile accountability under the law.