SJ Park police have registered an FIR against right-wing activist Puneeth Kerehalli for allegedly torturing and threatening a man.
Two others, Vasantha Giliyar and Kirik Keerthi, were also named as accused in the FIR.
A case was registered on Monday as per the directions of a Bengaluru court, police said.
The complainant, Byrappa Harish Kumar, 39, president of Karnataka Ranadheera Pade, said in his complaint that he participated in a televised debate on the Dharmasthala issue on a local news channel on October 9 along with Vasantha Giliyar.
According to the FIR, an argument took place between Kumar and Giliyar during the debate due to difference of opinion. After the program ended and Kumar left the venue, a group of persons allegedly associated with Puneeth Kerehalli, who were present at Giliyar’s insistence, abused him, tried to assault him and threatened him.
Acting on the court’s directions, the police registered a case under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including provisions relating to intentional insult with intent to cause breach of peace and intimidation.
Published – 03 Feb 2026 20:22 IST
