700 pump-action rifles of MP forest dept to bolster BSF at B’desh border

Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh forest department, which had kept around 700 imported pump-action rifles in storage due to concerns over potential police action, has now decided to share them with the Border Security Force (BSF) amid the current infiltration threats.The MP govt had initially purchased approximately 2,700 of these rifles but ceased their use after several incidents led to police registering First Information Reports (FIRs) against forest personnel who fired the weapons. A long-standing dispute between the police and forest departments over the authority to use firearms while on duty has further complicated matters. Forest officials claimed the right to fire when necessary, while police contended otherwise, leading to FIRs and the arrest of several forest employees for using firearms.Since the introduction of firearms to the MP Forest Department staff in 1985, the issue has remained contentious. In response to the controversy, the department limited the distribution of revolvers to rangers in sensitive areas while issuing .315 rifles, 12-bore guns, and pump-action shotguns to other personnel.Recently, MHA had sought weapons from the states following infiltration issues. MP Forest Department has decided to transfer 700 pump-action guns to the BSF for deployment along the Bangladesh border.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Valentine's day wishes, messages and quotes !