Bengaluru Police Detain 100 Protesters Against SIR Implementation

Police in Bengaluru launched a significant crackdown on anti-SIR protesters on Wednesday, detaining approximately 100 demonstrators who had gathered to voice opposition to the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The operation marked an escalation in law enforcement response to ongoing protests against the new criminal justice legislation.

During the dispersal operation, police directed journalists and media personnel to vacate the protest site, threatening those who continued coverage of the event. The directive drew immediate concern from press representatives present at the location, who cited their professional responsibilities to document public interest matters.

Three photojournalists were reportedly subjected to physical handling by police personnel during the incident. Despite the individuals repeatedly identifying themselves and displaying press credentials, law enforcement continued with the obstruction, according to eyewitness accounts from the scene.

The incident adds to growing tensions between authorities and media representatives in the state, as coverage of SIR-related protests continues across Karnataka. Civil liberties advocates have raised concerns about both the detention of protesters and alleged restrictions on press freedom during the police operations.

The Bengaluru Police Department has not yet issued an official statement regarding the detentions or the circumstances involving the media personnel at the protest site.