BENGALURU: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has sought a detailed report regarding police action against demonstrators

BENGALURU — Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has sought a detailed report regarding police action against demonstrators during a protest march in Bengaluru.

The demonstration was organised by students, lawyers and other citizens who marched toward the Election Commission of India (ECI) office in the city to condemn Delhi Police’s handling of protests in the national capital. Protesters alleged that Bengaluru police employed similar tactics, claiming that approximately 100 people were affected and that women, students and lawyers were manhandled during the intervention.

The controversy highlights ongoing debates over the limits of state authority, public assembly rights and police conduct during demonstrations directed at constitutional bodies and government policies.

Shivakumar stated that he has called for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the police response. “Disagreement with the Election Commission, disagreement with my government, or disagreement with me personally does not diminish anyone’s right to peacefully express it,” he said in a media statement. He added that official action would follow if the investigation establishes that excessive force was used.

Endorsing Home Minister Priyank Kharge’s stance on safeguarding peaceful demonstrations, Shivakumar emphasised the importance of democratic liberties. “The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to our democracy. We cannot demand that right for ourselves in Delhi and deny it to others in Bengaluru,” he said.

Home Minister Kharge stated that he had instructed law enforcement personnel to ensure peaceful demonstrations are not disrupted. At the same time, he urged participants to cooperate with authorities and inform officials of their plans to help secure public safety and protect the rights of others.

“The police are here to protect your rights, not to stand in the way of your voice,” Kharge said, noting that maintaining law and order requires fostering an environment where citizens can express dissent peacefully and without fear.