Loaded revolver in Bescom office toilet triggers alert, probe

BENGALURU: A routine day at the Bescom office in Rajarajeshwarinagar turned tense when an electrical contractor discovered a loaded revolver inside the men's toilet, triggering panic.Officials quickly alerted police, who seized the weapon. Minutes later, a man arrived claiming ownership and produced a digital copy of its licence, saying he accidentally left the revolver behind. However, police proceeded with an inquiry and, based on legal opinion, registered a case against him. The weapon can now be reclaimed only through court.According to the complaint filed by Manjula, office manager and assistant accountant, W-7 sub-division, Bescom, Rajarajeshwarinagar, the revolver was noticed by an electrical contractor, Annappa, when he went to use the toilet on the first floor on April 9. Unsure whether the weapon, lying unattended, was real or a potential threat, Annappa immediately alerted the Bescom staff. Manjula then called emergency helpline 112 and informed police. Hoysala police staff arrived at the spot, examined the weapon, and confirmed it to be a genuine .32 revolver loaded with five bullets. The Rajarajeshwarinagar police were alerted, the firearm was secured, and an initial inquiry was launched.Meanwhile, a person identified as Ramanjinappa arrived at the Bescom office claiming that he forgot the revolver in the toilet and was now unable to find it. He showed on his mobile phone a digital copy of its licence.Police registered a non-cognisable report (NCR) based on Manjula's complaint and refused to hand over the revolver to Ramanjinappa. Following their inquiry, police sought legal consultation. Based on legal advice, an FIR was registered under Section 30 of Arms Act on April 23.According to Bescom officials, Ramanjinappa told them that he was ill on that day and suffering from diarrhoea, but came for admission of his daughter to a college located opposite the Bescom office. He approached the Bescom staff, asked where the toilet was, and went to the first floor. He kept his revolver on the window's wooden frame and forgot to take it while leaving the premises.A police officer said that legal advisers suggested registering a case and allowing the licence holder, Ramanjinappa, to collect the weapon with court permission. When TOI tried to contact Ramanjinappa, his phone was switched off.