On Saturday, Karnataka police arrested Vinit Nayak, a popular right-wing social media influencer known by his handle ‘Bhiku Mhatre’ on X (formerly Twitter), for allegedly posting content against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Vinit’s son, Nagesh Naik, claimed that his father was taken from their home in Ponda, Goa.
Vinit had posted a video of Siddaramaiah’s speech, accusing the Congress of wanting to redistribute wealth from Hindus to Muslims. He also alleged in his post that Congress harbors animosity towards Hindus, as well as Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
The police action followed a complaint by J Saravanan, who claimed that the post could incite enmity between Hindus and Muslims and disturb societal peace. The FIR was registered on these grounds.
Nagesh Naik expressed his frustration on social media, stating, “My father @MumbaichaDon has been arrested by @DgpKarnataka @CPBlr @BlrCityPolice. A mail was sent by Twitter, and suddenly in the evening, the police showed up at our doorstep and took my father away! The FIR is totally NOT pertinent! #ReleaseBhikuMhatre.”
Bhiku Mhatre’s arrest has sparked controversy, with several BJP leaders condemning the Karnataka police’s actions. Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya criticized the move on social media, calling it a “blatant abuse of power by Karnataka Congress Govt.” He pledged to fight the case both in court and in public forums.
