HC grants anticipatory bail to man accused of making derogatory posts on Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has granted conditional anticipatory bail to a man from Bantwal accused of sharing obscene and derogatory social media posts against RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat.
Allowing the criminal petition filed by the accused, Sharukh (30), a single-judge Bench headed by Shivashankar Amarannavar held that anticipatory bail could be granted after considering the facts and circumstances of the case.
The case was registered at Bantwal Town police station following allegations that objectionable posts were uploaded from Facebook and Instagram accounts bearing the name “Sharukh Koppal”, which allegedly promoted hatred between communities and disturbed public peace. Whether the applicant himself operated the accounts and posted the content is a matter to be determined during investigation and trial, the court observed.
The court noted that the accused had undertaken to cooperate with the investigation and abide by any conditions imposed by the court. It also took into account that the alleged offences do not attract punishment of life imprisonment or death penalty, and that the accused does not have any criminal antecedents.
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Accordingly, the court directed that if Sharukh is arrested, Bantwal Town police should release him on bail. As part of the conditions, he has been asked to appear before the investigating officer within 10 days and execute a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh with one surety for the same amount. He has also been directed to cooperate with the investigation, appear whenever required, and not influence or threaten witnesses, either directly or indirectly, or tamper with evidence.
The complaint in the case was filed on November 2, 2025, by K Krishnappa, who alleged that obscene and abusive language was used against Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat on social media platforms, with the intent of creating enmity between religious communities and disturbing public order. Based on the complaint, police had registered an FIR.
Sharukh had earlier approached the Mangaluru district and sessions court seeking anticipatory bail, but his plea was rejected. He then moved the High Court.
During the hearing, counsel for the accused Rashif Nairmoole argued that Sharukh had not posted any such content and that his social media accounts could have been hacked or misused by someone who knew his passwords. He submitted that the accused was willing to cooperate fully with the police and comply with any conditions imposed by the court, and sought grant of anticipatory bail, which was ultimately allowed by the High Court.
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Mamata alleges BJP disrupted her Bhabanipur rally, Suvendu claims 'she's nervous'
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cut short her speech at a rally in her Bhabanipur constituency, alleging that the BJP was deliberately playing loud music from a nearby public meeting.
A peeved Banerjee said despite having the required permission of the Election Commission, her rally in Chakraberia was disrupted by the BJP, "who want to capture Bengal by intimidation and threat".
"It is not possible for me to go ahead with this meeting. If they can do such a thing in my constituency, imagine how undemocratic the BJP is. If they behave like this, I have to take legal action," she said.
"This is an insult, humiliation. BJP is stepping on our toes to instigate trouble. Not possible to address the gathering in this situation. I am leaving the stage. Please vote for me in your protest," she added.
Banerjee was then seen calling someone over and venting her grievances.
Before leaving the stage, she said, "I will hold a rally tomorrow at the same spot."
TMC supporters then rushed towards the BJP rally, which was later addressed by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, but security personnel intervened and prevented the situation from escalating.
TMC workers later staged a demonstration outside the local police station and filed a complaint, alleging that the BJP violated the model code of conduct.
A senior TMC leader said another complaint will also be lodged with the Election Commission.
Asked about Banerjee's allegations, Adhikari told reporters after the rally he held nearby, "Her reaction shows she is nervous about the imminent loss."
"There was no violence, no obstruction in her meeting and her behaviour shows her nervousness. On May 4, people of Bhabanipur will celebrate the victory of the BJP," he claimed, alleging that the TMC also tried to disrupt his meeting by playing loud music.
South Kolkata's Bhabanipur, one of the battleground seats in the West Bengal elections, will vote in the second phase on April 29.
