Published Sep 10, 2026 | 7:57 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 10, 2026 | 7:58 PM
KUWJ condemned the alleged threats and described them as an attack on press freedom.
Editor-in-Chief of Kannada investigative news platform The File, G. Mahantesh, has allegedly received abusive and threatening phone calls after publishing reports on Siddhartha Vihara Trust, linked to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s family.
According to statements issued by the Karnataka Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) and Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, Mahantesh was allegedly threatened with physical assault following publication of the reports on September 8 and 9.
Mahantesh approached the police with a complaint over the threats, but the cops allegedly refused to register an FIR and instead recorded NCR No. 556/2026 and told the senior journalist to approach the court for further proceedings.
KUWJ condemned the alleged threats and described them as an attack on press freedom. The journalists’ body also expressed concern over the police’s alleged refusal to register a case. KUWJ demanded the immediate registration of a case against those responsible and also sought police protection for Mahantesh.
Meanwhile, BJP leader R. Ashoka used the opportunity to criticise the state government and Home Minister Priyank Kharge.
In a post on X, Ashoka questioned why the police refused to register an FIR based on Mahantesh’s complaint.
“A journalist receives death threats. Police refuse to register an FIR. Who is Junior Kharge’s Home Department protecting?” he asked.
“A journalist facing a serious threat approaches the police seeking protection. Instead of registering an FIR, initiating an investigation and ensuring his safety, the police simply turn him away,” he alleged.
Targeting the home minister, Ashoka asked, “Home Minister PriyankKharge avare, are you in charge of the Home Department to protect the people, or to misuse the police machinery to safeguard your political and personal interests?”
The BJP leader demanded registration of a case based on the complaint, immediate police protection for Mahantesh, and an inquiry into the conduct of the police officials who handled it.
The controversy comes days after the Karnataka High Court dealt with a separate case concerning alleged irregularities in Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) land allotments to the Siddhartha Vihar Trust.
The HC set aside the special court’s earlier decision to conduct its own inquiry and remitted the matter, directing that the complainant be given an opportunity to rectify defects in his affidavit. The case must thereafter be considered in accordance with the procedure prescribed under Section 175 of the BNSS.
The court did not express any opinion on the merits of the corruption allegations.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
