Right-Wing Activist Puneeth Kerehalli Faces Fresh Legal Action Over Allegations Against Karnataka Top Cop
In a significant development, right-wing activist Puneeth Kerehalli has been booked once again by the Bengaluru police, this time over allegations concerning 'benami property' linked to Karnataka's Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) M A Saleem. This marks the latest legal entanglement for Kerehalli, who was recently arrested and released on bail for the second time this month.
Suo Motu Case Registered by Bengaluru Cybercrime Police
The Bengaluru police registered a suo motu case against Puneeth Kerehalli on Friday, January 25, 2026, following the discovery of a video by their social media monitoring team. In the video, Kerehalli is allegedly seen making remarks against DG&IGP M A Saleem, claiming that the top police official was sheltering illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in a property held under a benami arrangement.
The incident reportedly occurred at a location in Soladevanahalli, belonging to an individual named Sakeena Taslim. According to the FIR, Kerehalli, accompanied by four to five associates, barged into the premises and proceeded to spread false information. He allegedly stated that the place where illegal Bangladeshi nationals were residing was a benami property of M A Saleem, further asserting that Bangladeshi Muslims were living illegally in Bengaluru.
Legal Charges Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and IT Act
In the fresh case registered at the cybercrime police station, Puneeth Kerehalli has been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. The specific charges include:
- Section 66C of the Information Technology Act: Pertaining to identity theft.
- Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita: Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony.
- Section 353(1)(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita: Statements conducing to public mischief.
- Section 197(1)(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita: Imputations and assertions prejudicial to national integration.
These charges highlight the serious nature of the allegations, which involve not only property disputes but also potential threats to social harmony and national integrity.
Background and Previous Legal Issues
This is not the first time Puneeth Kerehalli has faced legal scrutiny. Earlier this month, he was arrested and subsequently released on bail, marking his second such encounter with the law in a short span. The current case adds to his growing list of legal challenges, underscoring the ongoing tensions between activist groups and law enforcement authorities in Karnataka.
The video in question was live-streamed on social media platforms such as Facebook, amplifying the reach and impact of the allegations. The FIR notes that Kerehalli circulated the video widely, contributing to the spread of what authorities deem as false and inflammatory content.
Implications for Law Enforcement and Public Discourse
The case raises important questions about the role of social media in shaping public discourse and the legal boundaries of activism. With the increasing use of digital platforms to disseminate information, law enforcement agencies are stepping up their monitoring efforts to curb misinformation and hate speech.
For Karnataka's police force, led by DG&IGP M A Saleem, this incident represents a test of their ability to maintain order and address allegations against senior officials. The benami property claims, if proven false, could damage the reputation of the police department, while if substantiated, they would signal serious misconduct within the ranks.
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes will be on the Bengaluru police to ensure a fair and transparent process. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar allegations are handled in the future, balancing the right to free speech with the need to prevent harm to public harmony and national security.
