Suo-Motu Case Filed Over Anti-Government QR Code Posters in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: In a developing case with political overtones, the Bengaluru police have registered a suo-motu FIR against the website Saakappasaaku.com and unidentified individuals for allegedly defacing public property with anti-government posters targeting the Congress-led state administration.
The posters, found plastered across BMTC bus shelters near Maharani College Junction, KR Circle, and outside the BBMP headquarters, bore a QR code and the slogan “Sakappasaku Congress Sarkara”—meaning “Enough is enough, Congress government.” Citizens were urged to scan the code and “vote for the campaign.” The posters also prominently featured the Saakappasaaku.com domain.
Acting on a tip-off Wednesday evening, Halasurgate police reached the locations and removed the posters. Sub-inspector Mahadev HJ subsequently filed a complaint, prompting the registration of a case under the Karnataka Open Place Disfigurement Act, a law that prohibits the defacement of public property.
“Pasting posters on public property is a violation of a High Court directive and BBMP guidelines,” Mahadev stated. Police have conducted a mahazar (spot inspection) and are in the process of identifying those responsible through CCTV footage.
A senior officer confirmed that notices will soon be served to the administrators of Saakappasaaku.com and others involved. “We are currently investigating the background of the website. It carries photos of leaders from a major political party in the state,” a police source said.
The incident has sparked discussions about the misuse of public space for political messaging, the role of anonymous digital campaigns, and the increasing use of QR codes as tools of influence in the lead-up to elections.
More details are expected as the investigation progresses.
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