Complaint Filed Against Minister Priyank Kharge Over Remarks Linking RSS to Cartridge Seizure Case

BENGALURU, Nov 11: A complaint has been lodged against Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge over his alleged attempt to associate the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) with the recent seizure of a large consignment of live cartridges in Bihar and Haryana.

Police said the complaint was submitted at Banashankari police station on Tuesday by Tejas A Gowda, who has sought the registration of an FIR against the minister over a social media post shared on X.

In his complaint, Gowda accused Kharge of spreading misleading information and making statements that could potentially affect social harmony. He alleged that the minister’s post sought to establish a connection between the RSS and the recovery of approximately 44,250 live cartridges in the two states.

The complainant claimed that Kharge’s remarks created an impression that the organisation was associated with alleged criminal activities. He further alleged that the minister knowingly shared false information despite being aware of its potential consequences.

Gowda expressed concern over the matter, arguing that a person holding the constitutional office of Home Minister was expected to safeguard public peace and maintain law and order rather than circulate information that could create tensions.

Seeking legal action, he urged the police to register a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 192, relating to provocation with intent to cause a riot; Section 196, concerning the promotion of enmity between groups; and Section 353, dealing with statements conducing to public mischief.

The complaint stated that these provisions should be invoked if the available information and supporting evidence establish the commission of cognisable offences.

Gowda also called for an impartial investigation, stressing that the inquiry should remain free from political influence. He requested the police to preserve electronic records of the minister’s social media posts and examine the circumstances surrounding their publication.

The complainant further urged investigators to coordinate with law enforcement agencies in Bihar and Haryana to obtain details of the cartridge seizure cases and verify the claims made in the disputed post. He maintained that the investigation should establish whether any information was deliberately misrepresented.

Police confirmed that the complaint had been received but clarified that no FIR had been registered in connection with the matter so far.

Meanwhile, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya also criticised Kharge over the issue through a post on X. Accusing the minister of circulating false information, Surya questioned his conduct as the state’s Home Minister.

“We have a fake news peddler as Home Minister of our state. And this bloke wanted to set up some fact-check unit or something. Sad state of affairs,” Surya wrote.

The complaint has brought the minister’s social media remarks under scrutiny, with the complainant seeking police verification of the allegations and appropriate legal action if any offence is established.