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Ranveer Singh: Bengaluru, Jan 29 — Karnataka Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh following allegations that his conduct at a public film event hurt religious sentiments connected to traditional Daiva worship. Officials confirmed on Thursday that the case was filed after a formal complaint was submitted by a Bengaluru-based legal professional.

Complaint Filed at Bengaluru Police Station

According to police sources, the FIR was registered at the High Grounds police station in Bengaluru after advocate Prashanth Methal approached authorities alleging that the actor’s actions were offensive to Hindu religious beliefs. The complaint claims that the incident took place during a public appearance at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa.

Sections Invoked Under Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita

Ranveer Singh has been booked under Sections 196, 299, and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). These provisions relate to actions that may threaten public order, deliberately outrage religious feelings, or intentionally offend religious beliefs through words, gestures, or representations. Police officials stated that the registration of the FIR is procedural and that the matter is currently under examination.

Allegations of Insult to Daiva Tradition

The complainant alleged that the actor intentionally mocked the sacred Daiva tradition, particularly by misrepresenting Chavundi Daiva, a revered guardian spirit worshipped in coastal Karnataka. The complaint asserts that such conduct amounts to a serious insult to long-standing religious practices and could potentially disturb communal harmony.

Dispute Over Cultural and Religious Significance

In his statement, the complainant emphasized that Chavundi Daiva holds deep spiritual importance and is not a fictional or folkloric character. He stated that the deity symbolizes justice, protection, and divine feminine power and forms a central part of Bhoota Kola rituals practiced in the coastal belt of Karnataka. Referring to the deity as a “ghost,” the complaint argues, diminishes its religious standing and is considered blasphemous by devotees.

Reference to Kantara Performance Allegation

The FIR further mentions that Ranveer Singh allegedly reenacted an emotionally charged Daiva sequence associated with the film Kantara: Chapter 1 during the IFFI closing ceremony. The complainant claimed that this enactment was performed despite an alleged request asking the actor to refrain from portraying the sacred ritual on stage.

Claims of Derogatory Imitation on Public Platform

The complaint also accuses the actor of imitating the expressions of Panjurli and Guliga Daiva in what was described as a crude and exaggerated manner. It further alleges that the verbal reference to Chavundi Daiva as a “female ghost” was made in front of a large international audience, intensifying the perceived insult.

Impact on Devotees and Social Media Circulation

According to the FIR, the complainant, who considers Chavundi Daiva his family deity, stated that he has worshipped the goddess since childhood. He claimed that the video of the performance later circulated widely on social media platforms, causing emotional distress, anger, and disappointment among devotees. The complainant said he became aware of the incident after viewing a video clip shared on Instagram by an account named “Brief Chaat.”

Investigation Currently Underway

Police officials confirmed that the matter is under investigation and that they are examining video footage and other materials linked to the complaint. No official statement has yet been issued by the actor or his representatives regarding the allegations.