BENGALURU POLICE ARREST THREE AFTER SAFFRON TOWEL ASSAULT, SPARKING RELIGIOUS TENSION
BENGALURU, Karnataka – August 26, 2025:Police in Kalasipalya have arrested three men accused of attacking a daily wage worker on August 24 for wearing a saffron towel. The incident, which was filmed and spread quickly on social media, has increased worries about religious intolerance and safety in the city. Tabrez (30), Imran Khan (35), and Ajeez Khan (47) were arrested after a complaint was filed. Initially, police seemed slow to respond, which led to protests from the victim’s coworkers and local activists.
What Happened
The attack happened around 9:30 p.m. on August 24 near the Royal Travels office, across from the Kalasipalya BMTC Bus Stand. The victim, Shilendra Kumar from Bihar, works as a loader for the travel agency. He was wearing a saffron towel, which he usually wears for work.
His manager, Harikrishna, said that the three men came up to Kumar and questioned him about the towel, asking why he was wearing it, before pushing him. When Harikrishna tried to stop them, the group reportedly yelled at him, ripped his shirt, and hit him.
Police Response and Initial Delay
Harikrishna reported the attack to the Kalasipalya police. At first, they only filed a Non-Cognizable Report (NCR), meaning they couldn’t make arrests or start an investigation without a court order. This decision, along with a feeling that the police weren’t taking it seriously, led to criticism from the victim’s coworkers and Hindu groups, who went to the station to demand a formal First Information Report (FIR).
After the video went viral and the public put pressure on them, the Kalasipalya police got permission from a court to start a full investigation. The FIR was officially filed on August 25. The three suspects were arrested and will be in custody for 15 days.
Legal Charges
The accused have been charged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 115(2) for causing hurt and Section 302 for saying things intended to hurt religious feelings. They are also charged with intentional insult and acting with a common intention.
These charges show how serious the crime is, as it includes religious provocation, not just a simple assault. The police are still investigating the motive and if there were other factors involved. The victim said the attackers not only assaulted them but also told them to take off the saffron clothing.
About Kalasipalya
Kalasipalya is a busy, populated commercial area in Bengaluru, famous for its market and bus terminal. Many migrant workers from around the country work there in the travel, transport, and goods industries. The area has a history of both peace and occasional tension between communities, which makes this incident especially concerning.
The attack has started a discussion about the safety of people expressing their religion in public. People are asking for more police in the area to stop similar incidents. Political leaders and community groups have condemned the attack and are asking for a strong response to stop religious intolerance.
Broader Societal Implications
This attack is one of many reports of religious confrontations across the country. The video of the assault spread quickly on social media, which helped bring the issue to the attention of the public and the police. This has raised questions about social media’s role in making these events bigger and how it affects law enforcement.
The case also shows how vulnerable migrant workers are, as they are often the targets of these attacks. Shilendra Kumar, the victim, is from Bihar, and his case has struck a chord with those who feel that workers from other states aren’t protected enough. Local activists are asking for better safety for all citizens, no matter their religion or where they come from. The legal proceedings will be watched closely to see how well the new laws deal with hate crimes and religiously motivated attacks.
