2 minute readbangaloreFebruary 17, 2026 08:30 PM (IST)
Bengaluru’s high-altitude police have placed the convener and co-convener of the official social media wing of the Assam Bharatiya Janata Party on the wanted list after an AI video depicting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma pointing a gun at an image of a man wearing a skull cap drew widespread criticism. Sarma later said he did not know about the video.
The FIR was registered on February 12 on the basis of a complaint filed by a member of Karnataka’s ruling Congress alleging that the video circulated on social media on February 7 contains objectionable and potentially provocative material that may disturb public peace and incite communal enmity.
“The post, captioned ‘Close range shot…’, depicts the Prime Minister pointing what appears to be a gun at a member of the Muslim community. Given the official nature of this handle and its large number of followers, the visual imagery combined with the caption conveys an intimidating and provocative message that normalizes and glorifies targeted violence against certain religious minorities,” the FIR said.
The FIR further said that the post “may instil fear and vulnerability among members of the Muslim community and incite hatred and potential violence among certain sections of the population.”
The FIR names Biswajit Khaund and Ron Bikash Gourav, who manage the official X-account BJP4Assam, where the video was uploaded, and charges them under Section 192 (intentionally provoking with intent to cause riot) and Section 353(2) (criminalizing the dissemination of false information, rumors or reports with the purpose of inciting hatred or ill will between different religions, races, languages or regions). group) of Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita.
Police said an investigation into the social media posts and the suspects is ongoing.
