RSS activist seeks FIR against Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge over arms seizure post

In his complaint, Mr Gowda alleged that the Minister’s statements and insinuations created an impression that the RSS was connected to criminal activities, potentially triggering hostility and disturbing communal harmony

Updated - November 11, 2026 09:41 am IST - Bengaluru

File photo of Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge. | Photo Credit: The Hindu

A city-based RSS activist has lodged a police complaint against Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge at the Banashankari police station, seeking the registration of an FIR over an alleged social media post linking the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to a major seizure of arms and ammunition.

The complaint was submitted on November 10, 2026 by Tejas A. Gowda, a Bengaluru resident and RSS activist. He accused Mr. Kharge of allegedly circulating misleading information through his official X handle and attempting to disturb social harmony by associating the RSS with the seizure of around 44,250 live cartridges in Bihar and Haryana.

In his complaint, Mr. Gowda alleged that the Minister’s statements and insinuations created an impression that the RSS was connected to criminal activities, potentially triggering hostility and disturbing communal harmony.

He has sought action against theMminister under Sections 192, 196 and 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

“Holding a constitutional office does not confer immunity from criminal law,” Mr. Gowda stated, urging the police to act independently and without political interference.

The complainant has also requested the police to preserve electronic records of the social media posts, obtain details of the ammunition seizure cases from police authorities in Bihar and Haryana, and investigate whether misleading information was knowingly disseminated.

The massive seizure of 44,250 live cartridges in Bihar and Haryana has exposed a serious interstate ammunition-smuggling network. This is not an ordinary criminal case. This is a grave national security concern. Even more disturbing are reports and photographs allegedly showing individuals implicated in the racket wearing RSS uniforms. The RSS and BJP owe the nation some answers. 1. WHAT IS THE RSS CONNECTION? Photographs reportedly show accused individuals in RSS uniforms. Were these individuals RSS Swayamsevaks? What positions did they hold in the organisation? If they were Swayamsevaks, what was their involvement in the ammunition racket? What was their intent? Who were they working for? 2. WHERE WERE 44,250 LIVE CARTRIDGES HEADED? This is enough ammunition to facilitate violence on a massive scale. Who were the intended recipients? Were these cartridges destined for organised criminal networks, extremist groups or other unlawful activities? 3. HOW DID GOVERNMENT-MANUFACTURED AMMUNITION ENTER THE ILLEGAL MARKET? Reports indicate that the seized cartridges bore markings associated with the Khadki ammunition factory in Pune. Who facilitated the diversion of this ammunition? Which licensed arms dealers and intermediaries were involved? How long has this network been operating, and how extensive is it? 4. WHY ARE THE BJP AND RSS SILENT? The BJP never misses an opportunity to lecture the country on nationalism, patriotism and national security. Yet, when individuals allegedly associated with RSS come under scrutiny in a massive ammunition-smuggling investigation, where is the outrage? Where is the accountability? 5. THIS IS PRECISELY WHY THE RSS MUST BE REGISTERED! An organisation cannot claim millions of Swayamsevaks when it suits its interests and conveniently disown individuals when serious criminal allegations emerge. Registration and proper membership records would strengthen accountability and make organisational associations easier to verify. The RSS demands accountability from everyone else. Why should it be exempt from the same scrutiny? @DrMohanBhagwat ji, I would be more than happy to personally facilitate the RSS's registration and even pay the registration fees myself.— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) November 10, 2026

Copies of posts from Mr. Kharge’s X account and another social media handle titled ‘Fact Myths’ were enclosed with the complaint.

Police acknowledged receiving the complaint, but no FIR had been registered at the time of reporting. Mr Kharge is yet to issue a statement on the matter.

Published - November 11, 2026 09:38 am IST

Karnataka / judiciary (system of justice) / justice and rights

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