RSS Leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat granted anticipatory bail in hate speech case

RSS Leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat granted anticipatory bail in hate speech case

Mangalore Today News Network

Puttur, December 11, 2025: RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat has been granted anticipatory bail by the Fifth Additional District and Sessions Court in Puttur in connection with a hate speech case registered against him during a Deepavali event.

Eshwari Padmunj had filed a complaint at the Puttur Rural Police Station alleging that Prabhakar Bhat delivered a communally provocative speech during the Deepotsava and Gou Puja held on October 22 at Uppalige in Puttur taluk. Following the complaint, the police issued a notice summoning him for inquiry. Subsequently, Bhat filed an anticipatory bail petition before the court.

During the hearing on October 27, the court issued an interim order restraining the police from taking any coercive action and adjourned the case to October 29. On October 29, the complainant’s counsel filed a petition seeking permission to argue under BNSS Sections 338 and 339 before the Additional District and Sessions Court in Puttur. The hearing was adjourned multiple times that day. The court has now granted anticipatory bail. Senior advocate Mahesh Kaje appeared on behalf of Prabhakar Bhat.

Advocate Mahesh Kaje, explaining the bail process, said that a complaint had been registered at the Puttur Rural Police Station alleging that Dr. Prabhakar Bhat had delivered a hate speech during the Deepotsava event. Based on this complaint, an FIR was registered under Crime No. 118/2025.

“We had filed an anticipatory bail petition before the Fifth Additional District and Sessions Court in Puttur on behalf of Prabhakar Bhat. We highlighted that he is actively involved in several social activities and educational institutions, and also that he is a senior citizen. On these grounds, we requested interim bail. The court initially granted interim relief. Meanwhile, the complainant was also permitted to appoint legal counsel. The complainant’s lawyer and the prosecution opposed the bail plea. After examining all aspects, the court has now granted anticipatory bail. Thus, the court has upheld truth and justice for Prabhakar Bhat,” he said.