Bengaluru, Nov 10 — A police complaint has been filed against Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge at the Banashankari Police Station in Bengaluru on Tuesday, alleging that he circulated false and misleading information on social media platform X linking the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to the seizure of live cartridges in Bihar and Haryana.
The complainant has urged the police to register an FIR against Kharge under Sections 192, 196 and 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, alleging that his statements could promote enmity between groups and cause public mischief.
According to the complaint, Kharge allegedly attempted to associate the RSS with the seizure of approximately 44,250 live cartridges in Bihar and Haryana through his posts and statements. The complainant alleged that the remarks and insinuations created an impression that the organisation was connected with the alleged criminal activity.
The complaint further alleged that the Home Minister circulated unverified information with the potential to create hostility, spread misinformation and disturb peace and communal harmony in society.
It stated that if the information was knowingly circulated despite its alleged falsity, the matter warranted a criminal investigation, particularly considering the potential impact of such statements on public harmony.
The complainant argued that Kharge's position as the Home Minister, responsible for monitoring law and order in the state, should not shield him from a criminal investigation.
“Statements made by a Home Minister carry significant authority and influence over the general public. Circulating false information from such a position can create unnecessary suspicion, hostility, damage the reputation of organisations and disturb social harmony,” the complaint stated.
The complainant urged the Banashankari police to act independently and in accordance with the provisions of the BNS and principles laid down by the Supreme Court.
The complaint also stressed that no individual was above the law and that the same legal standards applicable to an ordinary citizen should apply to a person holding constitutional office.
Seeking a fair and independent investigation, the complainant urged the police to register an FIR if the information and accompanying evidence disclosed cognisable offences under the applicable provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
There was no immediate information available on whether the police had registered an FIR or initiated further action on the complaint.