FIR registered against RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat over alleged hate speech

Mangaluru: An FIR has been registered against RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat for allegedly delivering a provocative and communally charged speech at a private college programme in Puttur. The case has been registered at the Puttur Town Police Station following a complaint that his speech hurt social harmony and incited hatred.

According to the police, the complaint was filed by Ramachandra K., a resident of Puttur and president of the taluk unit of the Manava Bandhutva Vedike. In his complaint, Ramachandra alleged that Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat made communally divisive remarks during a programme held at a private college on January 12, in the presence of students and their parents.

“The speech contained statements that promoted communal hatred and had the potential to incite violence. Such remarks are a threat to social harmony,” the complainant stated. Based on the complaint, police registered a case under multiple serious sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Police sources said the FIR has been filed under Sections 196, 299, 302, 353(2), and 3(5) of the BNS, which deal with promoting enmity between communities, deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings, and criminal intimidation, among others. The police are examining video footage of the speech and gathering additional evidence as part of the investigation.

In addition to Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, a complaint has also been registered against the organisers of the programme and the ‘Vikasan TV’ YouTube channel, which allegedly broadcast the controversial speech. Police said action was initiated against them for circulating content that allegedly contained hate speech and could disturb public order.

The complainant has further pointed out that this is not the first time Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat has faced allegations of delivering hate speech. Two years ago, he was involved in a similar case, during which a court had reportedly imposed conditions restraining him from making divisive or inflammatory statements. Despite this, he is accused of once again violating those conditions by delivering the recent speech.

“Even after assuring the court earlier that he would refrain from making hate speeches, the accused has repeated the same conduct. This amounts to a clear violation of court-imposed conditions,” Ramachandra K. said.

The development has triggered political and social reactions in the coastal region, with several organisations demanding strict action to curb hate speech, especially at educational institutions.

Police officials stated that further legal action would be taken after a detailed review of the speech content and related evidence. The investigation into the case is currently underway.

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