Arrest in Maharashtra: Man Detained for Threatening Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge Over Proposed RSS Ban

The suspect was apprehended in Latur, Maharashtra, on Thursday. (File)

Bengaluru:

Karnataka Police have successfully arrested an individual who issued threats to Priyank Kharge, the Minister for RDPR, IT and BT, following his proposal to prohibit Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities in public spaces.

The arrest took place in Latur, Maharashtra, on Thursday.

Authorities identified the suspect as Danappa Naroni, also known as Danesh, who resides in Maharashtra's Solapur district. The apprehension resulted from collaborative efforts between Kalaburagi district police and Bengaluru Police. Officials reported that after making threatening and abusive communications to Minister Kharge, the suspect fled his hometown and was located in Latur.

Law enforcement officials are transporting him to Bengaluru for additional questioning, with his expected arrival in the capital by evening.

An FIR was filed at Bengaluru's Sadashivanagar police station following the threatening call. The suspect, claiming RSS affiliation, challenged Minister Kharge's authority to discuss the organization. He boasted about his 30-40 years of experience while noting the RSS has existed for centuries. Additionally, he made derogatory comments about Kharge's father, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, suggesting he would eventually address Rahul Gandhi as Priyanka Gandhi.

Minister Kharge released a 2.12-minute audio recording of the incident. In the clip, Kharge is heard questioning whether the caller received training in using abusive language during RSS meetings.

The Minister stated, "If they believe threats and abuses will intimidate me, they are merely deluding themselves."

In response to Minister Kharge's claims about receiving threatening calls regarding his proposal to ban RSS activities in public spaces, BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra asserted that Kharge is simply seeking publicity.

Speaking to reporters in Chitradurga, Vijayendra addressed questions about the threats to Priyank Kharge by stating that such declarations are merely attention-seeking.

"Claiming the RSS can be banned today is absurd. I respectfully ask Minister Priyank Kharge - what accomplishments have you achieved in your Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) portfolio? What innovations have you implemented that you can present to the public?" Vijayendra questioned.