A police complaint has been filed against Karnataka Home Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge in Bengaluru over a social media post allegedly linking the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to the seizure of thousands of live cartridges in Bihar and Haryana. The complainant has accused Kharge of spreading misleading information and attempting to disturb social harmony.
The complaint was submitted by Bengaluru resident Tejas A Gowda at the Banashankari police station on Tuesday, November 10. He has sought the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the minister, alleging that his social media posts created an impression that the RSS was connected with an alleged interstate ammunition-smuggling network.
According to the complaint, Kharge attempted to associate the organisation with the recovery of approximately 44,250 live cartridges in two separate operations. Of these, around 19,250 cartridges were reportedly seized by Bihar Police in Bhojpur district, while Haryana's Special Task Force recovered approximately 25,000 cartridges near the Rohad toll plaza in Jhajjar.
The complainant alleged that the minister knowingly circulated false and unverified information despite holding a constitutional position responsible for maintaining law and order. He argued that statements made by someone occupying the Home Minister's office could influence public opinion and potentially create unnecessary hostility between communities.
The controversy also involves an image shared alongside the social media discussion. The image reportedly showed men wearing clothing resembling the traditional white shirt and khaki shorts associated with the RSS. Questions have been raised over its authenticity, with allegations that it was manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI).
In his complaint, Gowda has urged the police to investigate the matter under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 192, concerning provocation with intent to cause a riot; Section 196, relating to promoting enmity between groups; and Section 353, dealing with statements conducing to public mischief.
He has also requested investigators to preserve electronic evidence of the social media posts and coordinate with authorities in Bihar and Haryana to verify the circumstances surrounding the ammunition seizures.
However, police have clarified that no FIR has been registered in connection with the complaint so far. The complainant has also not specified whether he is associated with the RSS.
Meanwhile, Kharge has continued to question the organisational status of the RSS and renewed his demand for its formal registration. In a separate social media remark, he said he would be willing to facilitate the registration process and even pay the registration fees.
There was no immediate response from Kharge or the Congress party regarding the latest police complaint. The development has added another chapter to the ongoing political confrontation between the Congress and the RSS in Karnataka.
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