BENGALURU: A controversy has erupted over the alleged refusal of Nandini Layout police to register an FIR on a complaint filed by The File editor G. Mahanthesh, who claimed that an unidentified person threatened him with serious consequences and abused him over the phone and WhatsApp following the publication of investigative reports.
Mahanthesh approached the Nandini Layout police station on September 10 morning, alleging that he had received threatening calls and messages after reports published on September 8 and 9 were shared on his Facebook accounts, including those under the names ‘Mahanthesh Bhadravathi’ and ‘The-File’.
According to his complaint, an unidentified person contacted him by phone and questioned him about the reports. The caller allegedly used abusive language and warned him that he would face consequences if the reports were not removed.
Mahanthesh also alleged that abusive comments were posted against him on the social media posts carrying the reports. Citing concerns for his safety and that of his family, he asked the police to identify the person behind the calls and messages, take appropriate legal action, and protect him and his family.
The police received the complaint but, according to the communication issued to Mahanthesh, said they would initiate further proceedings only after obtaining court permission. Instead of registering an FIR, the police recorded the complaint as an NCR, reportedly numbered 556/2026, and directed the complainant to approach the court for permission.
The police response has triggered a political reaction, with Opposition Leader R. Ashoka questioning why an FIR had not been registered despite the complainant alleging threats to his life.
Ashoka said the police action raised questions about the Home Department’s functioning and asked whether the department was protecting journalists or those allegedly trying to intimidate them.
A JOURNALIST RECEIVES DEATH THREATS. POLICE REFUSE TO REGISTER AN FIR. WHO IS JUNIOR KHARGE’S HOME DEPARTMENT PROTECTING?
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… https://t.co/G0biQRowAT
— R. Ashoka (@RAshokaBJP) September 10, 2026
In a statement, Ashoka said the matter was particularly serious because the complaint came from the editor of an independent media organisation after the publication of investigative reports alleging irregularities linked to the Siddhartha Vihara Trust.
According to the complaint and Ashoka’s statement, the alleged threatening calls were made soon after the reports were published on September 8 and 9. Ashoka claimed that the caller had allegedly used highly abusive language and threatened to come to Mahanthesh’s residence and assault him.
The Opposition Leader questioned the police decision to treat the complaint as a non-cognisable report and seek a court’s permission instead of immediately registering an FIR.
“Journalist receives death threat, but police refuse to register an FIR. Whom is the Home Department protecting?” Ashoka questioned, targeting the state government and Home Minister G. Parameshwara.
Ashoka also criticised the government’s public emphasis on constitutional values, democracy and freedom of expression, arguing that those principles should also extend to journalists who publish reports critical of individuals or institutions in positions of influence.
He alleged that the incident reflected a worrying situation in which journalists could face intimidation for carrying out investigative reporting. He demanded that authorities identify the person who allegedly issued the threats and take action under the law.
Ashoka further demanded that Mahanthesh receive adequate police protection in light of the alleged threats. He also sought an inquiry into the conduct of the officials who handled the complaint and questioned why they had not acted immediately on the allegations.
The Opposition Leader said the issue was not merely about an individual journalist but concerned the broader question of media freedom and the safety of journalists carrying out their professional duties.
He alleged that if a journalist could be threatened after publishing reports and subsequently face difficulties in securing registration of a criminal case, it could create a chilling effect on investigative journalism.
The police decision to issue an NCR and ask the complainant to obtain court permission has therefore become a focal point of the controversy. The exact legal provisions applicable to the allegations and the reasons for treating the complaint as a non-cognisable matter will be significant as the case progresses.
The identity and motive of the alleged caller have not yet been established. Police are expected to examine the mobile number mentioned in the complaint, call records, WhatsApp communications and social media activity as part of any further inquiry.
Meanwhile, the allegations have renewed the debate over journalists’ safety in Karnataka and the responsibility of law enforcement agencies when complaints involving threats are brought before them.
Ashoka has called for immediate registration of an FIR against the person responsible, protection for Mahanthesh, and a separate inquiry into how the police handled his complaint.
The police have not yet publicly identified the alleged caller or confirmed the allegations in the complaint. Further developments are expected after the complainant approaches the court and the police examine the material submitted in connection with the alleged threats.
