Chikkamagaluru: A private tourist bus from Kerala was seized by Chikkamagaluru Town Police after messages allegedly glorifying underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim were found displayed on the vehicle. The incident triggered protests by Hindu organisation activists and raised questions about how the bus entered the district with the controversial writings.
The incident occurred on November 6 when the bus reached the area near Bolarameshwara Temple in Chikkamagaluru town. Activists noticed the messages on the vehicle, stopped it and objected to the slogans, which they alleged portrayed Dawood Ibrahim as a hero.
Controversial messages found on bus
The bus reportedly carried phrases such as “Dawood Rise of Day” and “Emperor Strikes Again”. The messages were considered provocative by activists, who alleged that they glorified Dawood Ibrahim, an underworld figure wanted by Indian authorities.
After noticing the writings, activists stopped the vehicle near Bolarameshwara Temple and informed the police. Chikkamagaluru Town Police reached the location, took possession of the bus and its documents, and began an inspection.
The incident attracted attention because the vehicle had travelled from Kerala into Karnataka before being intercepted in Chikkamagaluru.
BJP Yuva Morcha questions security arrangements
The incident also prompted a reaction from BJP Yuva Morcha, whose leaders questioned how a bus carrying such messages had crossed several police checkpoints without being noticed.
The organisation described the incident as a security lapse and demanded strict legal action against those responsible for displaying the writings. It also warned of protests if similar incidents occurred again.
Activists demanded that action be taken against the bus driver and owner. However, the reports available so far do not confirm whether an FIR has been registered or whether any arrests have been made in connection with this particular incident.
Similar incident reported earlier
The controversy has also revived memories of a similar incident reported around six months earlier, when a Tamil Nadu-registered tourist bus was found carrying material allegedly glorifying Dawood Ibrahim in Karnataka.
The recurrence of such messages on another tourist vehicle has added to public concern and prompted demands for closer scrutiny of vehicles travelling across state borders.
Police have seized the Kerala-registered bus and are examining the matter. Further details about who placed the messages on the vehicle and whether the driver or owner had any role in displaying them are yet to emerge.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances behind the slogans and determine whether any legal provisions have been violated.