Top cops, sooner or later might accept that police failed to open retaliatory fire on the armed gangsters on two recent occasions due to a lack of regular practice of firing. In Dehradun, there is no shooting range and left with no other option, policemen use the Army firing range. Now, pulling their socks up and is scratching heads to put things in place. However, the reality is, Dehradun police had decided to set up its own firing range few years back but the funds released worth Rs2.99 crore by 13th Finance Commission for building a 25-metre indoor shooting range in Dehradun, has not yet completed.
Thus the lack of training results in the armed policemen chosing to remain idle or to scurry for safety behind bushes. Similar incident happened when a car-borne criminal started firing outside Roorkee jail in August. Three people died subsequently. In Baghpat, a similar incident happened, when a group of gangsters opened fire to scare away the police escorts to secure the release of Bhura. Police bore the ignominy of remaining idle.
State Additional Director General of Police (law and order) Ram Singh Meena said that teams have been formed and they are working to find out answers to several questions, including the crucial one of police failing to take up guns with the criminals running amok. Another police officer said that in a bid to ensure regular practice session of firing for the police personnel, Police department is going to build an indoor shooting range in Dehradun.
This state-of-the-art range would be equipped with modern system and techniques. Here, practice would be held throughout the year and police personnel will get chance to practise firing regularly to enhance their skills. Currently, there are two shooting ranges-one each in Haridwar and Tehri.