Bengaluru police have announced the arrest of a sales executive in connection with threatening and abusive phone calls made to Karnataka’s Minister for IT-BT, Priyank Kharge. The arrest comes after Kharge publicly advocated for a ban on the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Authorities from Sadashiva Nagar police station successfully traced the individual, identified as 40-year-old Dhanappa, to his residence in Solapur, Maharashtra. Dhanappa, employed by a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company, was located using his call record data after a formal complaint was lodged.
He has since been brought to Bengaluru for extensive questioning. Investigators are working to uncover the motive behind the threatening calls and to determine how Dhanappa obtained the Minister’s personal contact information. Police are also probing whether other individuals might be involved in this incident.
The controversy began when Minister Kharge posted a video on social media showcasing the abusive and threatening call he received. This occurred shortly after he sent a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, proposing a ban on RSS activities within government schools, colleges, and public institutions. This proposal sparked considerable political backlash, with the opposition BJP vehemently criticizing his stance.
In response to the threats against the Minister, his supporters across Karnataka have organized protests, demanding swift action against those responsible for the intimidating calls.