The Belagavi district police in Karnataka have registered a suo motu case under the Arms Act against Santosh Jarkiholi, son of BJP MLA and former minister Ramesh Jarkiholi, for allegedly firing a gun in the air during a religious event in Gokak town in the district.
The incident took place on Friday, July 4, on the last day of the annual Lakshmi Devi temple fair in Gokak. According to the police, Santosh, seen covered in yellow powder, was among a large crowd when he was seen using a double-barrelled gun to fire shots into the air while his supporters cheered.
The act was reportedly carried out in the presence of a significant police deployment at the event. A video clip of the incident was widely circulated on social media, prompting police action.
The Gokak Town Police registered an FIR on July 5, citing violations under the Arms Act for the unauthorised use of a firearm in a public setting.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on July 6, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said that the incident is being treated seriously. “A formal complaint has been filed, and legal action will follow accordingly. The police will perform their duty without succumbing to any kind of pressure. No one is above the law,” he stated.