Bengaluru activist arrested, released after videos on suspected Bangladeshi migrants go viral

Bengaluru police on January 16 arrested right-wing activist Puneeth Kerehalli following complaints of trespassing, intimidation , and allegedly stoking communal hatred after he filmed residents suspected to be illegal Bangladeshi migrants in the Bannerghatta area. He was released on bail within hours.

According to police, the arrest was based on complaints filed by migrant workers living in the locality and civil rights activists, including Geeta Menon, who accused Kerehalli of entering private property without permission, threatening a landlord, and targeting residents on religious lines. Bannerghatta police said the case was registered on allegations of intimidation and actions that could disturb communal harmony.

Kerehalli, known for his right-wing activism, had shared videos on social media claiming that several tenants in the building were illegal Bangladeshi migrants . In the clips, some residents were seen displaying Aadhaar cards allegedly procured for ₹1,500, along with PAN cards, bank accounts, and loans reportedly obtained soon after their arrival in India. The videos quickly went viral, triggering a police verification drive.

Following the circulation of the footage, police detained dozens of suspected undocumented migrants for questioning and initiated document verification. Officials said deportation proceedings would be initiated if the individuals are found to be residing illegally or using forged identity documents.

Supporters of Kerehalli hailed his swift release as a victory against what they termed political bias and an attempt to silence voices raising concerns over illegal immigration. Critics, however, accused him of engaging in vigilantism, intimidating vulnerable migrant communities, and bypassing lawful channels by publicly confronting residents instead of reporting the matter to authorities.

The incident has once again drawn attention to the broader issue of Bangladeshi Muslims in India. Over the years, many migrants from Bangladesh have entered India in search of livelihood, fleeing poverty, political instability, or environmental distress. While some possess valid documentation, others are alleged to have crossed the border illegally, often living on the margins of society without legal protection. Human rights groups warn that undocumented migrants are vulnerable to exploitation and communal targeting, while the government maintains that illegal migration poses challenges to internal security, welfare distribution, and demographic balance.

Authorities have reiterated that while information from the public is welcome, legal procedures must be followed and individuals cannot take the law into their own hands. The investigation into both the alleged offences by the activist and the status of the suspected migrants is ongoing.