Bengaluru woman displays Umar Khalid poster at anti-NEET protest, FIR filed

An unidentified woman has been booked after displaying a "provocative" poster supporting Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam during an anti-NEET protest in Bengaluru's Freedom Park on July 24. Woman in the crowd displayed a placard carrying slogans expressing support for Umar Khalid and Sharjeel ImamAn FIR has been registered against an unidentified woman for displaying a "provocative" poster during an anti-NEET protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on July 24.According to the FIR, the protest was organised by the Karnataka Vidyarthi Sanghatane (KVS) under the leadership of Nagesh Aralukuppe to condemn the lathi-charge on students in Delhi and demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Around 1,000 to 1,500 people reportedly participated in the demonstration, which was also attended by activists from AISA and SFI.The FIR states that between 5 pm and 5:30 pm, an unidentified woman in the crowd displayed a placard carrying slogans expressing support for Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, along with remarks against the Bengaluru Police. The woman was also seen holding a placard reading, "My Poster, My Rules." According to the complaint, the poster also expressed support for the transgender community.Police Sub-Inspector Sulochana of Upparpet Police Station said that by the time police attempted to seize the placard, it had been hidden by others in the crowd because of the large gathering. The FIR further states that police later examined footage from cameras installed at Freedom Park and recordings from personnel deployed at the venue. Based on the footage, police alleged that the woman intentionally displayed the poster in an attempt to provoke unrest during the otherwise peaceful protest.Based on the complaint, Upparpet Police registered FIR under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, against the unidentified woman. Police have launched an investigation to identify her. - EndsPublished By: Akshat TrivediPublished On: Jul 26, 2026 21:32 IST