Incident & arrests
On September 25, 2025, around 30–40 members of the pro-Kannada group Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) infiltrated the Taj West End Hotel in Bengaluru during a central government meeting on Hindi promotion. Disguised as customers, they raised slogans, tore banners, and vandalised property, briefly halting the session. The police arrested 41 protesters, who were later sent to judicial custody.
Legal developments
The police have registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including unlawful assembly and promoting enmity between groups. The arrested individuals were produced before the court, which ordered their judicial custody.
Context & implications
The protest underscores the ongoing tension in Karnataka over the promotion of Hindi. Pro-Kannada groups like KRV have previously opposed the imposition of Hindi, viewing it as a threat to regional languages and identity. The incident has reignited debates about linguistic diversity and federal language policies.
Next steps
Authorities are expected to monitor further developments and prepare for potential statewide protests called by KRV. The situation remains tense, with both political and social implications.