Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) members filed a police complaint against BJP MLA Abhay Patil for allegedly insulting Karnataka. The complaint stems from a January 5th, 2024 event where a statue of Sambhaji Maharaj was unveiled in Belagavi. The event was attended by Maharashtra's Public Works Minister, Shivendra Raje Bhosale.
The complaint alleges that Mr. Patil violated state protocol by not inviting Karnataka ministers or local leaders, despite using Karnataka government funds for the statue's podium. Pro-Maharashtra slogans were raised by attendees, further fueling the complaint.
The complaint contends that the event, and Mr. Patil's actions, contributed to linguistic divisions and hatred, disrupting the peace and law and order in Belagavi. The KRV met with Deputy Commissioner of Police Rohan Jagadeesh to seek action against the MLA.