Complaint filed against MLA NA Harris over protest condemning Khamenei killing in Bengaluru
Bengaluru : A protest held in Bengaluru condemning the alleged killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has sparked political and legal controversy in Karnataka. A complaint has been filed against N. A. Harris, Congress MLA from Shantinagar, alleging that the demonstration violated directions issued by the Karnataka High Court regarding public protests.
Several organisations had staged a protest in Bengaluru condemning the killing of Khamenei. However, the protest has now come under scrutiny as it was reportedly conducted outside the designated protest venue, leading to allegations that the High Court’s directives were ignored.
The High Court has previously directed that all public demonstrations in Bengaluru must be held only at Freedom Park to avoid disruption of public order and traffic. Any protest conducted outside the designated area without permission is considered a violation of court guidelines.
Following the protest, a complaint was submitted against Harris by social activist Tejas Gowda, who is associated with a Hindu organisation. In the complaint addressed to the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner and the Director General and Inspector General of Police, Gowda alleged that the protest was organised in clear violation of the High Court’s instructions and demanded legal action against the MLA.
The protest reportedly took place under the jurisdiction of the Ashok Nagar Police Station. Police officials have already informed the High Court about the incident. According to sources, the Ashok Nagar police have submitted details to the court stating that a protest was held despite the restrictions.
Authorities said further action would be taken as per the law after examining the complaint and verifying the circumstances under which the protest was organised.
The issue is likely to trigger political debate in the state, especially as protests condemning the killing of Khamenei have been held in several parts of India. Demonstrations were reported in multiple locations, including Alipur in Chikkaballapur district and parts of Bengaluru, where protesters expressed anger against the United States.
Meanwhile, tensions in the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict continue to escalate, with reports indicating that more than a thousand people have been killed so far. In another development, an Iranian warship was reportedly sunk by a US submarine in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lankan waters, resulting in the deaths of at least 87 personnel.
