Bengaluru : Bengaluru police have registered an FIR against an unidentified woman for allegedly displaying a “provocative” poster during an anti-NEET protest held at Freedom Park on July 24.
The case was registered by the Upparpet Police based on a complaint alleging that the poster could have disturbed public order during the demonstration.
FIR registered over protest placard
According to the FIR, the protest was organised by the Karnataka Vidyarthi Sanghatane (KVS), led by Nagesh Aralukuppe, to condemn the alleged lathi-charge on students in Delhi and demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Police said around 1,000 to 1,500 people, including members of the All India Students’ Association (AISA) and the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), participated in the protest.
Police allege poster could provoke unrest
The FIR states that between 5 pm and 5.30 pm, an unidentified woman displayed a placard carrying slogans expressing support for Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, along with remarks against the Bengaluru Police. She was also reportedly seen holding another placard reading, “My Poster, My Rules.” According to the complaint, the poster also expressed support for the transgender community.
Police Sub-Inspector Sulochana stated that officers attempted to seize the placard, but it was allegedly hidden by others in the crowd before it could be confiscated.
CCTV footage under investigation
Police later examined CCTV footage from Freedom Park along with videos recorded by officers deployed at the venue. Based on the footage, investigators alleged that the woman intentionally displayed the poster in an attempt to provoke unrest during what was otherwise a peaceful protest.
An FIR has been registered under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, against the unidentified woman. Efforts are underway to identify her, and further investigation is in progress.