The S.J. Park police registered an FIR against right-wing activist Puneeth Kerehalli for allegedly abusing and threatening a man.
Two others, Vasantha Giliyar and Kirik Keerthi, have also been named as accused in the FIR.
The case was registered on Monday following directions from a Bengaluru court, the police said.
The complainant, Byrappa Harish Kumar, 39, president of the Karnataka Ranadheera Pade, stated in his complaint that he had participated in a televised debate on the Dharmasthala issue on a local news channel on October 9, along with Vasantha Giliyar.
According to the FIR, an argument broke out between Kumar and Giliyar during the debate due to a difference of opinion. After the programme concluded and Kumar was leaving the venue, a group of persons allegedly associated with Puneeth Kerehalli, who were present at the insistence of Giliyar, abused him, attempted to assault him, and issued threats.
Based on the court’s directions, the police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including provisions related to intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace and criminal intimidation.
Published – February 03, 2026 08:22 pm IST
