Bengaluru’s Madiwala police have opened a suo‑motu case after a Variable Message Display outside GS Suites, Koramangala flashed an abusive line aimed at Kannadigas. Officers invoked Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which penalises words or deeds that sow hatred over language, origin, or faith.
Deputy Commissioner Sarah Fathima (Southeast Division) said the hotel’s duty manager is under arrest and the overseas proprietor has been listed as an accused. Five additional employees face interrogation. Investigators learned that the LED board—installed by a Koramangala tech firm three years ago—began cycling odd messages after 8 May. Detectives have summoned the vendor to explain access protocols and audit the device’s log files to trace how the offensive text appeared.
The insult exploded on social‑media site X early Saturday when users shared a video of the scrolling slur filmed the previous night. Outrage followed swiftly; one netizen urged Bengaluru City Police to “act vigorously before worse follows,” while another warned that locals labelled “linguistic radicals” would merely be reacting to provocation.
Forensic teams are now combing electronic evidence; legal notices will reach everyone linked to the display’s operation. Authorities stress that vilifying the state’s native speakers threatens civic harmony and will invite strict prosecution.
Meanwhile, community leaders call for calm, urging residents to let due process run its course while reaffirming respect for Karnataka’s linguistic identity.
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