A man from Maharashtra has been taken into custody following allegations of making threatening phone calls to the state’s IT-BT and rural development minister, Priyank Kharge. The incident occurred after Kharge publicly advocated for a ban on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities within government institution premises. Police confirmed the arrest on Thursday.
The individual identified as Danappa, also known as Dinesh, aged 40 and a resident of Solapur, was apprehended by a joint police team from Sadashivnagar and Kalaburgi in Latur. Central DCP Akshay H Machindra stated, “Based on a complaint by Congress leader Manohar, we arrested the accused from Maharashtra. He is being brought to the city.” Dinesh has been booked under the IT Act and Section 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for criminal intimidation. Authorities plan to investigate any potential prior involvement in similar cases.
The complaint was lodged by Congress leader Manohar on behalf of Minister Kharge at the Sadashivnagar police station in Bengaluru. Investigators utilized mobile tower locations and digital tracking to pinpoint the suspect’s whereabouts. Dinesh was taken into custody late Wednesday night and is expected to be transferred to Bengaluru for further questioning.
The controversy originated from a letter penned by Minister Kharge to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, which was subsequently released by the Chief Minister’s office. In the letter, Kharge highlighted the importance of curbing divisive forces and upholding the nation’s secular values, citing the Constitution. He proposed restrictions on RSS activities in government premises, a suggestion that drew sharp criticism from the opposition BJP. BJP leaders, including CT Ravi, R Ashoka, and BY Vijayendra, accused the ruling Congress government of attempting to incite religious divisions and undermine nationalist organizations.
A senior police official noted that the accused seemed motivated by his strong reaction to the minister’s statement. Further investigations are ongoing to ascertain if any other individuals were involved in orchestrating these threats or similar intimidation attempts.