Controversy Erupts Over FIR Against Mohan Gowda in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, August 7: The controversy surrounding the FIR filed against Mohan Gowda, the state coordinator of the Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti, has intensified in Karnataka. The organization has sharply criticized the police action, labeling it a direct assault on democracy and freedom of expression. They demand the immediate withdrawal of the FIR and express confidence in pursuing legal action to seek justice.

The Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti asserts that submitting a peaceful memorandum to the police to oppose a controversial event is a constitutional right of every citizen. They argue that petitioning the police in the public interest or protesting against an event through democratic means should not be considered a crime.

The committee has accused the police of unnecessarily curbing freedom of expression by labeling opinions expressed on social media as “rumors” and “misinformation,” leading to the filing of non-bailable charges.

They further state that objecting to events that insult Hindu deities, Hinduism, and the sentiments of millions of Hindus is entirely legal and part of a democratic process. Taking action against those who register such protests sends a wrong message.

On the other hand, the FIR was registered based on a report by police officer Shridhar Relekar at the Whitefield police station. The report indicates that during social media monitoring on August 1, 2026, a video posted by Mohan Gowda on the platform ‘X’ was scrutinized.

The police allege that the video made claims regarding the police’s actions related to a proposed comedy show by Kunal Kamra, which could create confusion among the public. The post also mentioned that the event was relocated from Whitefield to Koramangala following protests.

According to the police, the FIR was filed on the grounds that false and misleading information was disseminated through social media, aiming to spread rumors and potentially harm others.

In response, the Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the FIR against Mohan Gowda, urging respect for freedom of expression. They call for an end to treating peaceful citizens as criminals and urge the state government and police to take necessary steps to prevent the alleged misuse of law.

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