Appalling conditions and lack of bullets resulted in a low turnout at the firing range in 2008. Not surprisingly, few policemen can hit the target as was evident during 26/11
Appalling conditions and lack of bullets resulted in a low turnout at the firing range in 2008. Not surprisingly, few policemen can hit the target as was evident during 26/11
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well be-gun: This cop was one of the 5,000 policemen who visited the firing range at Ghatkopar in 2008. File PIC |
It's shocking, but unfortunately a true statistic. Only around 10 per cent of our 45,000-strong police force in Mumbai turned up for firing practice in the past few years. Though there are hundreds of armed policemen on the streets of Mumbai, not many will be able to hit the target in the event of an exchange of fire.
Not surprisingly, the cops were off the mark while dealing with the 10 terrorists during the November 26 terror attacks. In fact, around 17 cops were killed by the terrorists during the terror strikes in the city.
This year, only 5,000 policemen reported for firing practice at the Ghatkopar and Naigaon firing ranges, in comparison to the 6,500 from 2007. A mere 1,100 showed up in 2006, and 4,000 cops took aim at the firing range in 2005.
Joint Commissioner of Police (law and order) K L Prasad said Commissioner of Police Hasan Gafoor has chalked out a comprehensive arms training plan for police personnel in Mumbai, which includes regular firing practice. Each gunner has been sanctioned 10 rounds during each session that lasts for less than an hour.
The low turn-out at the firing range assumes significance in light of the fact that during the 26/11 terror attacks, local police men had to depend heavily on NSG commandos to bring the situation under control.
Appalling conditions
While the handgun practice is conducted at the Local Arms headquarters at Naigaon, long-range firing with AK-47 assault rifles and 9 mm calibre carbines takes place at the Bhatwadi firing range in Ghatkopar, where the conditions are appalling.
The lack of firing practice comes at a time when the government of Maharashtra is planning large-scale modernisation in the wake of 26/11. The buying list includes 104 AK-47 assault rifles, MP-5s, OSV 96 heavy sniping rifles and Galil Snipers. Many of these are being used by NSG and Navy's Marine Commandos.
Practice makes perfect
An encounter specialist confessed that he has not attended any firing practice since he was inducted into the force. While in the academy he remembers firing around 30 rounds during his one year stint there.
Policemen in developed countries fire around 30 rounds a week. It is mandatory for Special Assault Groups of the Black Cats to fire between 100-150 rounds a week, sometimes at targets reflected in a mirror
Police at the firing range
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Year |
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|
Police at firing range |
5,000 |
6,500 |
1,100 |
4,000 |
