Karnataka Police File FIR Against Writer K.S. Bhagawan Over Controversial Remarks

K.S. Bhagawan, a noted writer and rationalist, is facing legal action in Karnataka after police registered an FIR against him for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Hindu beliefs and scriptures during a public event. The complaint, filed by a local resident, claims that Bhagawan's statements insulted Hindu deities and could disturb communal harmony. Known for his controversial views on Hindu texts, Bhagawan has previously sparked outrage with his interpretations. The police are currently investigating the matter to ascertain the facts surrounding the allegations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 13, 2026, 14:01 IST

FIR Filed Against K.S. Bhagawan

File image of writer K.S Bhagwan(Photo: X)

Davanagere (Karnataka), June 13: The police in Karnataka have initiated a First Information Report (FIR) against the prominent writer and rationalist K.S. Bhagawan due to alleged comments he made regarding Hindu beliefs, Lord Ram, and Hindu scriptures during a public gathering earlier this week, as confirmed by police officials on Saturday.

The FIR was lodged on Friday by the Harihara Rural Police in the Davanagere district, following a complaint from Dinesh, a local resident of KR Nagar in Harihar.

As per the complaint, Bhagawan reportedly made contentious remarks while speaking at an event organized by the Karnataka Dalit Sangharsha Samiti in Hanagawadi village on June 9.

This event commemorated the birth anniversaries of social reformer Prof. B. Krishnappa and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. During his address, Bhagawan allegedly made statements about Lord Ram, Hindu deities, and the Valmiki Ramayan that the complainant deemed derogatory and inflammatory.

The complaint highlighted remarks such as claims that "Shri Rama was not born to King Dasharath" and suggestions that Hindus should refrain from worshipping their gods. Furthermore, it was alleged that Bhagawan referred to Hindu deities as murderers and claimed that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar endorsed such views.

The complainant asserted that these statements disrespected Hindu religious beliefs, deities, and sacred texts, including the Valmiki Ramayan. It was also claimed that the remarks offended the religious sentiments of Hindus and could potentially disrupt communal harmony and incite social unrest.

In response to the complaint, the Harihara Rural Police have charged Bhagawan under Sections 196(1)(a) and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Authorities have stated that an investigation is currently underway to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding the alleged comments.

K.S. Bhagawan, a retired professor and well-known rationalist, has a history of critiquing mainstream Hindu scriptures and traditional religious narratives. His interpretations of Hindu texts and deities have frequently led to controversies, protests, and legal actions throughout Karnataka.

Previously, Bhagawan faced significant backlash for asserting that the Valmiki Ramayan includes references to Lord Ram and Sita consuming alcohol. He also contended that Ram could not be considered an ideal ruler due to incidents such as Sita's exile and the slaying of the Shudra ascetic Shambuka.

Moreover, he attracted criticism after expressing his intention to burn certain pages of the Bhagavad Gita, claiming that specific passages perpetuated social inequality by depicting women, Vaishyas, and Shudras in a discriminatory light.