The Karnataka government has ordered a review of police action against protesters and members of the media in Bengaluru, after demonstrators attempting to march to the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer’s office were detained on Monday. Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has sought a detailed report and said accountability would follow if the inquiry finds unnecessary use of force.
The protesters were seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision exercise. They alleged that Bengaluru Police manhandled protesters and photojournalists during the operation.
Shivakumar said the right to peaceful protest must be upheld consistently, including in Bengaluru. “I have taken note of yesterday’s incident involving protesters and members of the media. I have sought a full report on the circumstances that led to the police action. If there has been any unnecessary use of force or excess, accountability will follow,” he said in a statement.
The Chief Minister added that disagreement with the Election Commission, the Karnataka government or him personally did not diminish anyone’s right to express dissent peacefully. He said Karnataka should maintain the democratic standards expected from other parts of the country and that there would be no double standards.
Home Minister Priyank Kharge had earlier ordered a review of the police response and instructed the force to ensure that peaceful demonstrations were not disrupted. In a post on X, he said the handling of protesters on Monday would be examined and directed the police to protect the right to peaceful demonstration.
Kharge also appealed to protesters to cooperate with the police and keep authorities informed so that their safety and the rights of other citizens could be protected. “The police are here to protect your rights, not to stand in the way of your voice,” he said.
The Home Minister said the responsibility of the police extended beyond maintaining law and order to creating an environment in which citizens could express dissent freely, peacefully and without fear. He described peaceful dissent as a democratic right rather than a threat to public order.
The government’s review will examine the circumstances surrounding the detention of the protesters and the allegations involving members of the media. The authorities have not announced a deadline for submitting the report or disclosed whether any disciplinary action has been initiated.
