A complaint has reportedly been filed against Karnataka Congress president B K Hariprasad at the Vidhana Soudha police station following his comments about Umar Khalid. Hindu activist Tejas Gowda is said to have submitted the complaint, alleging that the remarks against ABVP could create tension and promote feelings of hostility in society.
The controversy began after Hariprasad described Umar Khalid as a nationalist while responding to the ongoing dispute over a documentary about him. Hariprasad also questioned ABVPs right to comment on Khalid and made remarks about the organisations position and its views on Nathuram Godse.
His comments have since triggered reactions from groups opposed to the proposed documentary screening. The issue has now moved beyond the university campus, with the complaint bringing the matter before the police.
According to the complaint reported by local sources, Tejas Gowda has urged the police to examine Hariprasads statements and take action if they are found to violate the law. Gowda alleged that remarks concerning a person facing serious legal proceedings should not be used in a manner that could create social tension.
Speaking after submitting the complaint, Gowda criticised Hariprasads statement and questioned the description of Khalid as a nationalist. He also alleged that comments supporting or defending controversial figures could have wider consequences in society. Police officials are expected to examine the complaint and determine whether any legal provisions are applicable.
The dispute is closely connected to a proposed screening at the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru. The universitys Law and Society Committee had planned to screen filmmaker Lalit Vachanis documentary Prisoner No. 626710 is Present, which focuses on Umar Khalid and his incarceration.
ABVP had strongly opposed the proposed screening and sought its cancellation. The organisation also called for intervention from Union ministers, arguing that the documentary should not be screened on the university campus.
The screening was subsequently postponed. Reports said the event had been scheduled for September 14, but the university deferred it amid the controversy. Questions have since been raised over the reasons for the postponement, while ABVP has continued to demand that the screening be cancelled.
The dispute has consequently developed into a wider political and campus debate involving freedom of expression, student organisations and the discussion of politically sensitive cases. Hariprasads remarks added another layer to the controversy, with opposing groups interpreting his comments very differently.
Umar Khalid has been in custody since his arrest in 2020 in connection with the Delhi riots case. The case remains subject to judicial proceedings, and allegations against him have not been established as a final conviction.
The latest developments have therefore brought attention to both the police complaint against Hariprasad and the continuing disagreement over the documentary screening. Any legal action against the Congress leader will depend on the police examination of the complaint and the applicable legal provisions.
For now, the controversy remains centred on Hariprasads remarks, the complaint filed by Tejas Gowda and the dispute surrounding the proposed documentary screening at NLSIU. Further developments are expected after the police review the complaint.
