An unusual incident involving provocative posters has led to a police case in Bengaluru, targeting a senior minister of the Karnataka government. The Amruthahalli police station has officially registered a First Information Report (FIR) after posters suggesting that Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda was "missing" were found pasted at various public locations across the city.
Complaint and Legal Action
The case was formally registered on Saturday, January 5, 2026, following a complaint filed by an assistant engineer from the Byatarayanapura sub-division of the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom). The complainant reported that unknown individuals had pasted these posters specifically on roadside electricity transformers. This act not only spread the misleading message but also resulted in damage to public property.
Acting on the complaint, the police have booked unidentified persons under Section 3 of the Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1981. This law is designed to prevent the defacement of public spaces. Police officials clarified that such acts are a direct violation of existing Karnataka High Court orders that ban the disfigurement of public property, emphasizing that they also negatively affect the visual aesthetics of the city.
Viral Circulation and Investigation
The incident gained significant traction after videos showing the posters being put up were shared extensively on various social media platforms. These videos contributed to the wide circulation of the episode, amplifying its reach and impact.
In response, the police have confirmed that an investigation is currently in progress. Law enforcement authorities are actively working to identify the individuals involved in both putting up the posters and circulating the related videos online. The case highlights the legal repercussions of using public property for potentially defamatory campaigns.
Broader Implications
This event underscores the ongoing tensions in the political landscape and the unconventional methods sometimes employed. The use of public infrastructure like electricity transformers for such posters brings issues of property damage and legal compliance to the forefront. The police action demonstrates a strict stance against the defacement of city property, regardless of the political context or message involved.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on apprehending those responsible and upholding the regulations meant to keep public spaces clean and orderly. The incident serves as a reminder of the legal boundaries surrounding public expression and property use.
