Why Was Cow Vigilante Puneeth Kerehalli Placed Under Preventive Arrest? Set Him Free.

Bengaluru Police Take Action Against Cow Vigilante Puneeth Kerehalli: A Complex Web of Law, Politics, and Communal Tensions.

B Upendran | HENB | Bengaluru | Sept 13, 2025:: In a significant move, the Bengaluru police have placed right-wing activist and cow vigilante Puneeth Kerehalli under preventive arrest, sending him to judicial custody after he refused to give an undertaking to abstain from criminal and communal activities. Kerehalli, accused in over 14 serious cases, is known for his involvement in cow vigilantism and has been a polarizing figure in Karnataka’s political landscape.

The Arrest and Its Aftermath

According to a police statement, Kerehalli was taken into custody on September 10, 2025, under Section 127 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which empowers an Executive Magistrate to demand a bond for good behavior from individuals engaging in activities that can incite disorder or harm public peace. When Kerehalli refused to give the undertaking, the Special Executive Magistrate ordered his judicial custody.

This move has sparked a heated debate in Karnataka’s politics, with the BJP condemning the police action as “repression” on a Hindutva activist. In contrast, the Congress and JD(S) have supported the arrest, citing the need to maintain law and order.

Kerehalli’s History of Vigilantism

Puneeth Kerehalli runs the Rashtra Rakshana Pade, a group known for intercepting cattle transport vehicles and uploading videos of these incidents on social media. He is also the main accused in the March 2023 murder of cattle transporter Idrees Pasha in Ramanagara, a case that has drawn widespread attention.

Kerehalli’s actions have been justified by some as being in line with the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020. However, his methods have been criticized for promoting vigilantism and communal tensions.

The Politics of Cow Vigilantism

The arrest of Puneeth Kerehalli has brought to the forefront the complex dynamics of cow vigilantism in Karnataka. While some groups argue that such actions are necessary to protect cattle, others see it as a form of harassment and intimidation targeting specific communities.

The involvement of senior BJP leaders in Kerehalli’s activities has also raised questions about the role of politics in perpetuating vigilantism.

A Divided Response including demand of immediate release of Kerehalli

The reaction to Kerehalli’s arrest has been divided, with Hindutva groups, including the VHP, demanding his immediate release. On the other hand, those who support the rule of law and oppose vigilantism have welcomed the police action.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the authorities will balance the need to maintain law and order with the demands of different groups. One thing is certain, however: the issue of cow vigilantism will continue to be a contentious topic in Karnataka’s politics.

The Way Forward

The rise of cow vigilantism in Karnataka can be attributed to the growing concerns over cow slaughter and trade in the state. Despite the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020, which bans cow slaughter and imposes harsh penalties on those found guilty, the lack of effective enforcement has led to frustration among right-wing groups.

Right-wing organizations, such as Hindu Jagaran Vedike and Rashtra Rakshana Pade have accused the police of being lenient towards cow slaughterers. For instance, despite informing the police about an illegal cow slaughter operation near Bhadra River bridge in Kagehalla, Bhadravathi taluk, no action was taken.

The case of Puneeth Kerehalli highlights the need for a nuanced approach to addressing the complex issues surrounding cow vigilantism. It is essential for the authorities to take a firm stance against vigilantism while also addressing the concerns of different communities.

Ultimately, finding a solution will require a thoughtful and multi-faceted approach that takes into account the various perspectives and interests involved.
…
_Inputs from Agencies.
…