Bengaluru Man Held for Slurs Against Kannadigas

Police arrested a man on Thursday night for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Kannada-speaking people during a heated exchange, authorities confirmed. The incident, which occurred on July 17 at 9:30 am, has heightened tensions in the city.

The accused, Mithun Sarkar, a Tripura native living in Bengaluru for nine years, reportedly insulted delivery partner Ranjith Mathew over a phone call to confirm a T-shirt delivery address. According to the FIR filed at Bommanahalli police station, Sarkar, allegedly intoxicated, spoke in Hindi and mocked Kannada, Karnataka, and its people, claiming, “Seventy per cent Hindi speakers are here,” while using abusive language.

Mathew’s complaint led to charges under Sections 196(1)(a) and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for promoting enmity based on language and intentional insult to disturb peace. A senior police officer stated that Sarkar’s claim of being under the influence is under scrutiny. “We’re investigating to verify his statements,” the officer added.

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The arrest has ignited debates online, with many slamming the remarks as an attack on Kannada identity. Karnataka police are cracking down on divisive language to maintain communal harmony. The incident underscores Bengaluru’s ongoing linguistic and cultural sensitivities, with authorities vowing strict action against such offenses.

The investigation continues to determine the full context of Sarkar’s remarks and ensure accountability.

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