Anti-SIR protests: Karnataka home minister Kharge orders review of police action
Protesters, including students and senior citizens, were detained on Monday before they could march in Bengaluru
Karnataka's home minister, Priyank Kharge, has directed a review into the police's handling of protesters who were detained ahead of a march in Bengaluru. The demonstration, organized by the My Vote, My Right Campaign, was aimed at opposing the electoral roll Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Allegations of police misconduct surfaced, with protesters claiming they were seized, dragged into buses, and subjected to assaults, including against women and journalists. Kharge emphasized that peaceful protests are a fundamental right and must be respected, instructing police to prevent disruptions to demonstrations. He appealed to the protesters to cooperate with authorities while keeping them informed of their plans.
The campaign, comprising more than 40 civil society organizations, aimed to submit a memorandum to the Karnataka chief electoral officer seeking the cancellation of the SIR, restoration of the electoral rolls as of January 2025, and Kumar's resignation. The organizers alleged that some police personnel beat a photojournalist and manhandled three other journalists.
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