A fresh controversy has emerged in the entertainment industry after a legal complaint led to the registration of a First Information Report against Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh. The matter has drawn widespread attention due to its connection with religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and a high-profile public event.
The case stems from allegations that certain actions performed by the actor during a public appearance deeply hurt the religious sentiments of devotees. Following legal procedures, the issue has now moved into the investigation stage, with authorities examining the complaint and related evidence.
As discussions continue across social media and public platforms, the incident has once again highlighted the sensitive balance between artistic expression, public conduct, and respect for long-standing cultural and spiritual traditions.
FIR Registered By Bengaluru Police
The High Grounds police station in Bengaluru confirmed that an FIR was registered on Wednesday in connection with the complaint. The registration followed directions issued by an Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate court, which referred the private complaint for formal investigation.
Officials stated that the legal process was initiated after examining the petition submitted by the complainant. The case has now been taken up for inquiry in accordance with established legal norms.
Police authorities clarified that the registration of an FIR marks the beginning of investigation and does not imply any conclusion regarding guilt.
Complaint Filed By Bengaluru-Based Lawyer
The complaint was filed by Prashanth Methal, a 46-year-old lawyer based in Bengaluru. He approached the court claiming that certain actions during a public event had caused serious emotional and religious distress.
According to the complainant, he learned about the alleged incident after watching a video that circulated widely on social media platforms. The visuals, he claimed, deeply disturbed him and other devotees.
Following the court’s directive, police formally recorded the case and began reviewing the details mentioned in the complaint.
Sections Invoked Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
The actor has been booked under Sections 196, 299, and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. These sections relate to allegations involving insult to religious sentiments and actions considered offensive to belief systems.
Legal experts note that such provisions are applied when complaints involve faith, religious identity, and perceived disrespect toward sacred traditions.
The investigation will assess whether the alleged acts meet the legal thresholds outlined under these sections.
Incident Linked To IFFI Goa Closing Ceremony
According to the complaint, the alleged incident took place during the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India held in Goa on November 28, 2025.
The event was attended by prominent personalities from the film industry and was broadcast across multiple platforms, giving it wide public visibility.
The complainant stated that the actions occurred on stage in front of a large audience, thereby amplifying their impact.
Allegations Related To Bhoota Kola Tradition
The complaint alleges that the actor performed gestures and expressions that mocked the sacred Bhoota Kola tradition practiced in Coastal Karnataka.
Bhoota Kola is a deeply revered ritual system involving spirit worship, with centuries-old cultural and religious significance in the region.
Devotees consider the tradition an embodiment of faith, justice, and spiritual protection passed down through generations.
Reference To Chavundi Daiva Sparks Outrage
The central allegation revolves around references made to Chavundi Daiva, a guardian spirit worshipped by many families in coastal Karnataka.
The complainant stated that Chavundi Daiva is his family deity and has been worshipped by him since childhood, making the alleged remarks personally distressing.
He claimed that describing the deity in an inappropriate manner amounted to a serious insult to long-held religious beliefs.
Claims Of Derogatory Portrayal On Stage
In his complaint, Methal alleged that the actor imitated divine expressions associated with Panjurli or Guliga Daiva in a manner he described as crude and comical.
He further claimed that the performance included verbal references portraying Chavundi Daiva as a female ghost, which he termed highly offensive.
Such portrayal, the complainant argued, misrepresents the spiritual essence of the deity and disrespects devotees.
Alleged Disregard Despite Objections
The complaint stated that despite an alleged request not to perform the act, the scene was enacted on stage.
The performance reportedly drew inspiration from an emotional Daiva scene from Kantara Chapter 1, which holds strong cultural resonance for audiences.
The complainant alleged that reenacting the scene without proper sensitivity trivialized sacred symbolism.
Religious Significance Of Chavundi Daiva
According to the complaint, Chavundi Daiva is not considered a ghost but a powerful guardian spirit representing justice, protection, and divine feminine energy.
The deity holds immense importance within Bhoota Kola rituals and occupies a central place in the spiritual identity of many communities.
Any mischaracterization, the complainant said, amounts to blasphemy and cultural misrepresentation.
Impact Of Viral Video On Devotees
The complaint further mentioned that a video of the alleged performance went viral shortly after the event.
The widespread circulation reportedly triggered anger, mental anguish, and emotional distress among devotees.
Social media discussions intensified the issue, bringing it to the attention of a much larger audience.
Allegations Of Intent And Public Influence
Methal alleged that the act was deliberate and intentional, claiming that the actor was fully aware of the possible impact.
He emphasized that as a widely followed public figure, the actor’s conduct on an international platform carried greater responsibility.
The complaint argued that such actions could influence public perception and deepen cultural hurt.
Legal Process And Ongoing Investigation
Police officials confirmed that the investigation is currently underway and that all allegations will be examined objectively.
Authorities will review the complaint, video material, witness accounts, and legal provisions before proceeding further.
No conclusions will be drawn until the investigation is completed in accordance with law.
Public Debate Around Faith And Expression
The case has sparked broader debate on the intersection of creative expression and religious sensitivity.
While artists often draw from cultural themes, many believe such portrayals must be handled with awareness and respect.
The incident has renewed conversations about accountability at high-visibility public events.
What Lies Ahead In The Case
As the investigation continues, legal experts expect procedural steps such as statement recording and evidence evaluation.
Further developments will depend on investigative findings and judicial review.
The outcome of the case is expected to influence future discourse around cultural representation in mainstream entertainment.
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