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In a significant development in Bengaluru, authorities have filed fresh charges against prominent Hindutva activist Puneeth Kerehalli and several associates for allegedly spreading misinformation about Karnataka’s top police official. The cybercrime police registered an FIR on January 23, marking the third case against Kerehalli in less than two weeks.
According to police reports, Kerehalli and four to five associates allegedly visited a property on Kempapura Shweta Farm Road near Soladevanahalli on January 22. The property, owned by Sakina Tasleem, became the focus of controversial claims made by the group.
Investigators say Kerehalli and his associates falsely alleged that the site was being used to house individuals trafficked from Bangladesh. More seriously, they reportedly claimed the property was a “benami” asset—one held in someone else’s name to conceal the true owner—belonging to Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) M.A. Saleem, the state’s highest-ranking police official.
The accusations further suggested that Bangladeshi Muslims were illegally residing in Bengaluru with implied official protection, potentially damaging the reputation of both the police department and its leadership.
This case represents a continuing pattern of legal troubles for Kerehalli, who is known for his cow protection activities and Hindutva advocacy in the region. The rapid succession of FIRs—three in just ten days—signals intensifying scrutiny of his activities by law enforcement.
The allegations touch on several sensitive issues in Indian politics. Claims of illegal Bangladeshi immigration have been a contentious topic in many Indian states, including Karnataka, often fueling political and communal tensions. The accusation of “benami” property holdings against a high-ranking police official adds another dimension, suggesting potential corruption at the highest levels of law enforcement.
Authorities have not yet disclosed what evidence prompted the cybercrime unit to file charges or what specific laws Kerehalli allegedly violated. However, Indian cybercrime laws include provisions against spreading false information that could harm an individual’s reputation or create public disorder.
For DG&IGP Saleem, these allegations come at a challenging time. As Karnataka’s top police official, his office carries significant responsibility for maintaining law and order in a state that has occasionally seen tensions between religious communities.
Cow vigilantism, a cause Kerehalli is associated with, has been a controversial issue across India in recent years. Self-appointed protectors of cows, considered sacred in Hinduism, have sometimes been linked to violence against minorities, particularly Muslims, over allegations of cow slaughter or beef consumption.
The Karnataka government has previously expressed concerns about vigilante groups taking law enforcement into their own hands. This case could potentially reflect broader efforts to rein in such activities and curb misinformation campaigns that target officials or minority communities.
Legal experts note that cases involving cybercrime and false information can be complex to prosecute, requiring evidence of both the false nature of the claims and the intent to cause harm. The involvement of high-profile figures on both sides—a known activist and the state’s top police official—adds additional layers of scrutiny to how the case will proceed.
As investigations continue, this case highlights the growing intersection of traditional communal tensions with modern methods of information spread, and the challenges authorities face in addressing both.
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10 Comments
Spreading unverified rumors about government officials can undermine public trust. I’m curious to see how this case unfolds and whether the charges against Kerehalli are substantiated.
It’s concerning to see allegations of trafficking and ‘benami’ property being used as political tools. The authorities should investigate these claims thoroughly and transparently, without bias.
While false claims should be addressed, I hope the authorities handle this case carefully and avoid any appearance of targeting activists or suppressing dissent. Transparency will be key.
I agree, maintaining impartiality and due process is crucial in sensitive cases like this.
This case highlights the need for rigorous fact-checking and responsible reporting, especially when it involves high-profile figures. I’ll be following this story closely to see how it develops.
It’s troubling to see the police themselves being accused of wrongdoing. I trust the cybercrime investigation will examine the evidence objectively and reach a fair conclusion.
Absolutely, the integrity of law enforcement is critical for public confidence. I hope the truth comes to light through this process.
This seems like a politically motivated attempt to discredit a senior police official. False claims and spreading misinformation should be taken seriously, regardless of the source or target.
Accusing a high-ranking police officer of wrongdoing requires solid evidence. I hope the cybercrime investigation is conducted impartially to determine the facts and hold any guilty parties accountable.
Hmm, this seems like a complex situation involving sensitive issues around immigration, property ownership, and allegations against a senior police official. I’ll be interested to see the outcome of the investigation.