Civil Rights Collective Files Police Complaint Against Activist
A civil rights organization has formally approached the Karnataka Director General and Inspector General of Police. They are demanding immediate criminal action against right-wing activist Puneeth Kerehalli. The complaint alleges serious misconduct against migrant workers in Bengaluru.
Allegations of Illegal Intimidation and Vigilantism
The Campaign Against Hate Speech submitted a detailed complaint on Friday. They accuse Kerehalli of illegally intimidating migrant workers. The activist allegedly conducted unauthorized "citizenship checks" while out on bail for a murder case.
According to the complaint, Kerehalli unlawfully entered migrant workers' sheds and residential areas. He questioned residents about their nationality without proper authority. The activist forcibly demanded identity documents from vulnerable individuals.
Video Evidence Cited in ComplaintThe civil rights group has presented video evidence from Kerehalli's official YouTube channel. The video was uploaded on January 14, 2026. It purportedly shows the activist leading a late-night vigilante action in Bengaluru.
The footage allegedly shows Kerehalli raising slogans and branding residents as 'illegal migrants'. He recorded individuals without their consent, violating privacy rights. The activist demanded disclosure of citizenship details during these encounters.
Multiple Legal Violations Alleged
The complaint outlines several legal violations:
- Unauthorized entry into residential areas
- Illegal questioning about nationality
- Forcible collection of Aadhaar cards without legal authority
- Recording individuals without consent
- Attempting to conduct inquiries instead of directing matters to police stations
Kerehalli was reportedly accompanied by a group of men during these incidents. They aggressively questioned residents and collected documents illegally. Police officers were present during some of these encounters, raising concerns about dereliction of duty.
Communal Nature of AllegationsThe civil rights group claims the video's content is overtly communal. It allegedly portrays Muslims as illegal migrants. The issue is framed as a conflict between "Hindus and Muslims" in the material.
Some associates accompanying Kerehalli are allegedly heard making inflammatory remarks. This content has significant reach through online platforms.
Online Amplification of Content
Kerehalli has over 10,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel. The controversial video crossed 2,000 views within a single day. This rapid spread significantly amplifies the potential for fear and communal hatred.
The complaint stresses that matters of undocumented migration fall exclusively under authorized agencies' jurisdiction. These include the Ministry of Home Affairs, FRRO, and state authorities. Private individuals have no legal authority to conduct such checks.
Demands for Police Action
The civil rights collective has made several specific demands:
- Immediate registration of FIRs under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- Kerehalli's arrest and comprehensive investigation
- Initiation of proceedings to cancel his bail due to fresh criminal misconduct
- Departmental inquiry into police presence during incidents
- Statewide directions prohibiting vigilante actions
- Public assurance that private individuals won't question people based on nationality
The group cites the Supreme Court's Tehseen Poonawalla judgment on mob violence. They allege failure to implement preventive measures outlined in that ruling.
Concerns About Bail ConditionsKerehalli is currently out on bail in a murder case. The complainants argue his alleged involvement in fresh criminal acts constitutes clear abuse of bail conditions. They believe this warrants immediate cancellation of his bail status.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
Commissioner of Police Seemant Kumar Singh addressed media questions about the allegations. He confirmed that a probe is currently underway. An official inquiry has been initiated into the allegations against right-wing groups.
The civil rights group emphasizes that migrant and working-class communities deserve safety and dignity. They warn that failure to act could lead to further intimidation and communal targeting. Strict enforcement of the rule of law is necessary to protect vulnerable populations.
The situation continues to develop as authorities investigate the serious allegations. All parties await the outcome of the police inquiry into these disturbing incidents.
