Hindu activist Puneeth Kerehalli detained by Bengaluru police over inspection of migrant sheds

Bengaluru: Police on Friday detained Hindu activist Puneeth Kerehalli while he was allegedly inspecting sheds occupied by migrant workers in Bengaluru, triggering sharp reactions from his supporters and reigniting a debate over vigilantism, hate speech, and the limits of citizen action.

According to police sources, Kerehalli was taken into custody late at night from near his residence by Bannerghatta police and brought to the police station for questioning. The detention followed a complaint filed against him in connection with visits to sheds housing alleged illegal migrants in different parts of the city.

Puneeth Kerehalli, along with a group of associates, had recently visited several migrant settlements and questioned residents about their nationality and identity documents.

Videos of these interactions were later shared on social media platforms, where Kerehalli raised questions directed at the state government regarding illegal migration and law enforcement. The videos quickly went viral and drew widespread criticism from civil rights groups.

Amid these developments, a formal complaint was lodged against Kerehalli, following which the police initiated action. While officials have not yet disclosed detailed sections under which he has been detained, sources indicated that the complaint pertains to unlawful entry, intimidation, and actions that could disturb communal harmony.

Kerehalli’s detention sparked strong reactions from his supporters, who accused the state government of acting under pressure from left-leaning groups. In videos circulated online, supporters alleged misuse of police power and condemned the detention, claiming that Kerehalli was targeted for “raising concerns about national security.” They warned of protests if what they termed “selective action” continued.

Notably, just a day earlier, a citizens’ group had submitted a memorandum via email to the Karnataka Director General of Police, demanding registration of a case against Kerehalli and his associates. The petition accused him of illegally entering the living spaces of migrant workers, demanding proof of citizenship, and creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

The complaint further alleged that in videos uploaded by Kerehalli himself, migrant Muslim workers were branded as “Bangladeshis,” accompanied by night-time sloganeering that promoted religious hatred and heightened social tension. Such actions, the petition claimed, endangered the dignity, privacy, and safety of vulnerable workers.

Responding earlier to criticism, Kerehalli had challenged the government to prove any wrongdoing on his part and warned against what he described as curbs imposed through abuse of authority.

Police officials said further legal action would depend on the outcome of the investigation. The incident has once again brought into focus the fine line between activism and vigilantism, especially in sensitive matters involving migration, identity, and communal harmony.

Also Read: Bangladesh Hindu man killed after being run over at petrol pump in Rajbari, two arrested