Udupi: Karkala Town Police have arrested a 48-year-old man for allegedly posting derogatory and caste-based comments against Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Facebook. The accused has been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The arrested individual has been identified as Sudhir Bangera, a resident of Nalkeda Bettu in Karkala. Police said the action was taken following a complaint alleging that objectionable remarks targeting the minister were posted on a social media platform.
Complaint lodged over Facebook comment
According to police, the complaint was filed by Suresh, a resident of Chethanahalli in Karkala. In his complaint, he stated that while browsing Facebook, he came across a post on a page named “Namma Karla” that featured a photograph of Priyank Kharge along with a statement attributed to him.
The complainant alleged that Sudhir Bangera had posted a comment on the post on June 6 using derogatory language directed at the minister.
Police said the comment was allegedly caste-based in nature and targeted Priyank Kharge, who belongs to a Scheduled Caste community.
Allegations of promoting social discord
Investigators stated that the comment allegedly contained objectionable content capable of promoting enmity, hatred and social discord among different groups.
According to the complaint, the accused also allegedly made casteist remarks and issued threats against the minister through the social media platform.
Police said such comments have the potential to disturb communal harmony and create tensions among communities, prompting legal action.
Case registered under BNS and SC/ST Act
Based on the complaint, Karkala Town Police registered a case against the accused under Sections 351(3), 196 and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
In addition, provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, including Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(u), have been invoked in the case.
Officials said the charges relate to allegations of insulting a member of a Scheduled Caste community and making remarks that could incite hostility or discrimination.
Accused arrested and to be produced before court
Following the registration of the case, police arrested Sudhir Bangera and initiated further investigation into the matter.
Officials stated that the accused will be produced before the jurisdictional court for further legal proceedings.
Police are also examining the social media post and related digital evidence as part of the investigation.
Social media misuse under scrutiny
The incident has once again highlighted concerns regarding the misuse of social media platforms for posting offensive, defamatory or caste-based content.
Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly warned users against publishing content that may violate laws relating to hate speech, caste discrimination or public order.
Officials emphasised that social media users are accountable for content shared online and can face legal consequences for posts that breach applicable laws.
Conclusion
The arrest of a Karkala resident for allegedly posting caste-based remarks against Home Minister Priyank Kharge underscores the legal consequences of sharing objectionable content on social media. The case is now under investigation, with police examining the allegations and digital evidence before further proceedings in court.