A police complaint was filed against Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge at the Banashankari Police Station in Bengaluru on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, alleging that he circulated false and misleading information on social media platform X purportedly linking the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to the seizure of live cartridges in Bihar and Haryana. The complainant has sought registration of a formal First Information Report (FIR) against Kharge under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

What the Complaint Alleges

According to the complaint, Kharge allegedly attempted to associate the RSS with the seizure of approximately 44,250 live cartridges discovered in Bihar and Haryana through posts and statements on X. The complainant contends that these remarks created an impression that the organisation was connected to alleged criminal activity — a claim that the complaint characterises as unverified and potentially inflammatory.

The complaint seeks action under Sections 192, 196, and 353 of the BNS, 2023, alleging that the statements could promote enmity between groups and cause public mischief. As of the time of filing, no information was available on whether the police had registered an FIR or initiated any further action.

The 'Public Office' Argument

'Statements made by a Home Minister carry significant authority and influence over the general public. Circulating false information from such a position can create unnecessary suspicion, hostility, damage the reputation of organisations and disturb social harmony,' the complaint stated.

The complainant explicitly argued that Kharge's position as the minister responsible for law and order in Karnataka should not shield him from a criminal inquiry, asserting that the same legal standards applicable to ordinary citizens must apply equally to those holding constitutional office.

Calls for Independent Police Action

The complainant urged the Banashankari police to act independently and in line with BNS provisions and principles laid down by the Supreme Court. The complaint stressed that if the information was knowingly circulated despite its alleged falsity, the matter warranted a full criminal investigation, given the potential impact on public harmony and communal peace.

Background and Context

The complaint arises in the context of the recovery of a large cache of live ammunition — reportedly around 44,250 cartridges — by authorities in Bihar and Haryana. The RSS has not been officially named or chargesheeted in connection with that seizure by law enforcement, according to available reports. Critics argue that opposition politicians frequently invoke high-profile seizures to draw political connections, while supporters contend that scrutiny of organisations with stated ideological affiliations is legitimate public discourse. The complaint itself represents a counter-move by those who allege that Kharge's posts overstepped factual boundaries. Notably, this comes amid a broader national pattern of politicians facing legal complaints over social media posts deemed provocative or unverified.

What Happens Next

The Banashankari Police Station must now assess whether the complaint discloses a cognisable offence under the BNS before deciding on FIR registration. If registered, the matter could escalate into a formal investigation targeting a serving state home minister — an outcome that would carry significant political and legal weight. All eyes are now on the Karnataka police's response, given that Kharge himself oversees the state's law-and-order machinery.