BENGALURU: A derogatory message targeting Kannadigas flashed on a Variable Message Display (VMD) board at Hotel GS Suites in Koramangala has prompted Madiwala police to file a suo motu FIR under Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with promoting enmity between groups based on language, region, and other grounds.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Sarah Fathima confirmed the registration of the case and stated that the hotel manager has been arrested, while the owner—currently abroad—has also been named in the FIR.

Initial investigations indicate that the hotel had earlier raised complaints to the board’s manufacturing company in Koramangala after noticing unusual messages being displayed post-May 8. The company was contracted three years ago, and its representatives have now been summoned for questioning to determine if the offensive message was a technical breach, internal sabotage, or human error.

Police are questioning five staff members and have pledged to issue notices to all involved parties. The investigation is focused on tracing the digital footprint of how the content was uploaded to the board.

The incident gained traction after a video of the display went viral on X (formerly Twitter). A user wrote, “Imagine the natives of a city being humiliated like this by migrants! What a fall, what a shame…,” demanding swift police action. Others expressed concern over escalating linguistic tensions.

The authorities are treating the case with urgency, promising a thorough probe.