Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Oct 16: A man who allegedly issued death threats to minister for rural development and panchayat raj, Priyank Kharge, has been arrested by Bengaluru police in a joint operation with Maharashtra police.
The accused, identified as Danappa Narone, was traced to Maharashtra and taken into custody following a coordinated interstate effort.
The arrest comes days after Minister Kharge wrote a letter to chief minister Siddaramaiah, urging a ban on RSS activities in government schools and public grounds. In the letter, Kharge had argued that the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) were “against the spirit of the Constitution”.
Shortly after the letter was made public, the minister allegedly received a threatening phone call from Danappa Narone. The caller reportedly abused Kharge using vulgar language and issued direct threats over his stance on banning RSS programmes in government premises.
An FIR was registered at the Sadashivanagar police station in Bengaluru based on a complaint filed by minister Kharge. Taking the matter seriously, the Bengaluru City police launched a swift investigation. Upon discovering that the accused had gone into hiding in Maharashtra, a police team from the Central Division travelled to the neighbouring state to apprehend him.
Joint operation leads to breakthrough
The arrest was made possible through a joint operation involving the Bengaluru City police, local Maharashtra police, and assistance from Kalaburagi police. The breakthrough came at a time when minister Kharge was addressing the media through a video statement reiterating his stand against RSS activities in public institutions.
Sources reveal that the threatening call had sparked widespread discussion across the state, esmpecially amid growing political debate around Kharge’s letter. The call quickly became a subject of public interest and media coverage, intensifying the pressure on authorities to act.
Officials confirmed that the threat was not taken lightly, considering Kharge's position as an elected public representative. The police reportedly acted with urgency to prevent any escalation or risk to the minister’s safety.
The investigation has now shifted focus to determine the motive behind the call, the background of Danappa Narone, and whether he was acting independently or under influence from any group or individual.
Police sources have indicated that the accused will be brought to Bengaluru after securing permission from the relevant court in Maharashtra.
Further interrogation will be carried out to uncover more details behind the incident.