Woman activist files police complaint against Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat over alleged hate speech targeting women and communities.
Puttur
Social activist and women’s rights campaigner Eshwari Padmunj has filed a complaint at Sampya Police Station against Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat for delivering allegedly provocative and derogatory remarks during a public event on October 20 in Uppalige, Puttur. Bhat is accused of insulting women, including pregnant women, while making statements that incited communal tensions.
During the Deepotsava event, Bhat allegedly made controversial remarks suggesting restrictions on the number of children Hindu families should have and made disparaging comments about women’s reproductive choices. He also reportedly spoke about demographic concerns in the Mangaluru region and compared religious communities in a manner deemed offensive and inflammatory.
The complaint names both Bhat and the event organizers, urging legal action under provisions related to hate speech. Social activist and senior journalist Naveen Surinje has called on the police to register the FIR promptly, following Supreme Court guidelines on handling hate speech cases, emphasizing that such remarks must be investigated to prevent communal discord.
This incident has drawn widespread attention on social media and among local community groups, highlighting concerns over public figures making statements that could incite social or religious tensions. Authorities are expected to review the complaint and determine the next course of action, while activists continue to demand strict enforcement of laws to curb hate speech and protect vulnerable groups.
