An Instagram influencer was arrested by Bengaluru police on Monday for posting a video featuring assault rifles on his social media account. The reel went viral, prompting authorities to register a suo moto case against him.
Reports identify the influencer as Arun Kathare, a resident of JP Nagar in Bengaluru. In the video, Kathare, seeking likes and shares, posed with individuals dressed as bodyguards holding AK-47-like weapons. The video was reportedly filmed outside a hotel in Chokkanahalli.
That moment when ‘likes’ turn into ‘cuffs’. Bengaluru City Police doesn’t just watch; we act#WeServeWeProtect pic.twitter.com/YKMTefvxvl
— ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ನಗರ ಪೊಲೀಸ್ BengaluruCityPolice (@BlrCityPolice) July 2, 2024
The Bengaluru police addressed the incident on social media, stating, “That moment when ‘likes’ turn into ‘cuffs’. Bengaluru City Police doesn’t just watch; we act.”
Internet users praised the Bengaluru police for taking action against such behavior on social media. One user commented, “You cannot go around trotting guns (fake or not). There are strict guidelines around it. And there are cases of fraud having happened in his name. Was he the instigator? That is something BlrCityPolice can answer.”
Another user appreciated the video edit shared by the police, with Lalith Kumar noting, “I feel like someone who used to make memes before cleared the esteemed police services exams. The edits are really amazing and funny.”