Accusing Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge of spreading misinformation, a man reportedly associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has sought an FIR against him. The man identified as Tejas A Gowda submitted a complaint to the Banashankari police on Tuesday, November 10, alleging that the Minister falsely linked RSS to the ammunition seizure in Bihar and Haryana.
Recently, Kharge wrote a post on X (Twitter) referring to the seizure of around 44,250 live cartridges and an image that said: “Four RSS-linked Sanghi terrorists caught smuggling 44,000 live Kartoos”. Describing the case as evidence of a serious interstate ammunition-smuggling network and a national security concern, Kharge also referred to photographs and reports allegedly showing people implicated in the racket wearing RSS uniforms.
He questioned whether the individuals were RSS members, what positions they held in the organisation and whether they were involved in the alleged racket. He also asked where the cartridges were headed and whether they were intended for criminal networks, extremist groups or other unlawful activities.
“An organisation cannot claim millions of Swayamsevaks when it suits its interests and conveniently disown individuals when serious criminal allegations emerge,” Kharge said. Tagging RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, he added, “I would be more than happy to personally facilitate the RSS’s registration and even pay the registration fees myself.”
In his complaint, Gowda alleged that Kharge’s statements created the impression that the RSS was connected to criminal activity. He further alleged that the Minister knowingly circulated false information that could disturb communal harmony. Gowda described the matter as concerning because the Home Minister is responsible for maintaining law and order.
The complaint sought action under Sections 192, 196 and 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which concern provocation with the intent to cause a riot, promoting enmity between groups, and making statements conducing to public mischief.
Gowda has also asked the police to preserve electronic records of the posts, obtain details of the ammunition seizure cases from authorities in Bihar and Haryana, and investigate whether the information was knowingly circulated despite being false.
The complainant urged the police to conduct an independent investigation without political interference. However, the police are yet to register the FIR.