‘Police notice is nothing to me’: Prabhakar Bhat hits back over Rahman murder case

‘Police notice is nothing to me’: Prabhakar Bhat hits back over Rahman murder case

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sep 28, 2026: RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat has questioned the police notice issued to him in connection with the Rahman murder case, saying he would not be intimidated by the notice and insisting that he had only spoken to the accused over the phone.

Speaking in Bantwal, Bhat said he had spoken to Bharath Kumdelu over the phone but denied having encouraged anyone to attack or kill anybody.

‘Police notice means nothing to me’

“I have more than 110 cases against me. What difference does this case make? The police notice is nothing to me,” Bhat said.

He said his conversation with Bharath was based on the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution.

“I did speak to him over the phone. Did I tell him to attack or kill anyone? The police have a recording of the conversation. Do they not know what is in it?” he questioned.

Bhat also questioned why he should appear for interrogation and said the police should act according to the law rather than on the directions of political leaders.

“We do not support any murder. But cases were filed against people who had no connection with the incident. The government should not try to suppress us by citing statements made by the Home Minister or Chief Minister,” he said.

Criticism over action against Bharath Kumdelu

Referring to the arrest of Bharath Kumdelu, Bhat alleged that cases, including under the Goonda Act, were registered against people who had no connection with the murder.

He claimed that Bharath’s family faced difficulties after his arrest and alleged that even people who helped the family were booked in cases.

“We will not support murder. But action should be taken according to law and not because the Home Minister or Chief Minister says so,” he said.

Bhat voices doubts over Sowjanya case SIT

On the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to reinvestigate the Sowjanya case, Bhat said he welcomed the move but expressed doubts about the composition of the team.

“It is good that an SIT has been formed, but we have some doubts about the officers in the team. Not all the officers in the SIT may be beyond question,” he said.

Bhat praised Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, saying he had confidence in his professionalism, but expressed reservations about some other officials.

He urged the SIT to conduct the investigation independently and establish the truth without being influenced by any external considerations.

‘Find the truth after 14 years’

Bhat said the Sowjanya case had remained unresolved for 14 years and urged the SIT to ensure that justice was delivered.

“The spirit of Sowjanya has been seeking justice for 14 years. There has been no other case like this. The SIT should find the truth,” he said.

He referred to the court’s observations concerning Santosh Rao and the previous investigating officers and said the police had the ability to identify the actual perpetrators.

Bhat also suggested that more officers with the professional reputation of Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy should have been included in the SIT to strengthen public confidence in the investigation.

Rajshekharananda Swamiji backs Bhat

Speaking at the BC Road Chalo protest, Gurupura Vajradehi Mutt seer Rajshekharananda Swamiji also criticised the action against Bhat and Bharath Kumdelu.

“This is not a time to seek blessings; it is a time to protest,” he said.

The seer questioned the invocation of the Goonda Act and alleged that the objective was to prevent Bharath from securing bail.

He appealed to the authorities not to harass Bhat and demanded withdrawal of the Goonda Act against Bharath Kumdelu.

‘We do not support the murder’

Rajshekharananda Swamiji said Hindu organisations did not support the murder and claimed that the incident may have been committed by a few individuals out of anger.

He also warned against threats directed at Bharath Kumdelu and said Hindu organisations such as the Bajrang Dal and VHP stood with their workers.

“If one Bharath Kumdelu is arrested, thousands more will emerge,” he said, while reiterating his demand that the Goonda Act be withdrawn.