Bengaluru: An FIR has been registered against an unidentified woman for allegedly displaying a “provocative” placard during an anti-NEET protest held at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on July 24. Police have launched an investigation to identify the woman using CCTV footage and videos recorded during the demonstration.
The protest was organised by the Karnataka Vidyarthi Sanghatane (KVS) under the leadership of Nagesh Aralukuppe to condemn the alleged lathi-charge on students in Delhi and to demand the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. According to the police complaint, around 1,000 to 1,500 people participated in the protest, including members of student organisations such as the All India Students’ Association (AISA) and the Students’ Federation of India (SFI).
Placard displayed during protest
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the incident occurred between 5 pm and 5.30 pm during the protest at Freedom Park.
Police alleged that an unidentified woman displayed a placard containing slogans expressing support for Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, along with remarks directed against the Bengaluru Police. The woman was also reportedly seen holding another placard carrying the message, “My Poster, My Rules.”
The FIR further states that the placard also expressed support for the transgender community.
According to the complaint, police considered the content of the placard to be provocative.
Police say placard could not be seized
Police Sub-Inspector Sulochana of Upparpet Police Station, who lodged the complaint, stated that officers attempted to seize the placard during the protest.
However, by the time they reached the woman, the placard had allegedly been concealed by others present in the crowd due to the large gathering at the venue.
As a result, the police were unable to immediately recover the placard.
CCTV footage examined
Following the protest, police reviewed footage captured by surveillance cameras installed at Freedom Park as well as video recordings made by police personnel deployed for security arrangements.
Based on the available footage, investigators alleged that the woman intentionally displayed the placard in an attempt to provoke unrest during what they described as an otherwise peaceful demonstration.
Police are now analysing the footage further to establish the identity of the woman and determine the sequence of events.
FIR registered under BNS
Based on the complaint, the Upparpet Police have registered an FIR against the unidentified woman under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
The investigation is currently underway, and efforts are being made to identify the individual seen holding the placard.
Police have not announced any arrests in the case so far.
Protest centred on NEET issue
The demonstration at Freedom Park formed part of a series of protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and demands for reforms in the examination system.
Student organisations and activists participating in the protest called for accountability and action over the controversy while expressing solidarity with students affected by the issue.
The FIR relates specifically to the display of the placard and not to the conduct of the protest as a whole.
The investigation will determine whether any further legal action is warranted based on the evidence collected from surveillance footage and witness accounts.