NEW DELHI — A Karnataka court has granted bail to a Hindutva Man, Punith, who was arrested for allegedly harassing Muslim migrant workers, branding them as Bangladeshis and forcing them to produce identity documents at their homes.
Punith was released on bail late Sunday night, January 18, after being taken into custody by the Karnataka Police. He is accused of entering the residence of a migrant worker along with associates, questioning the occupants about their religion and nationality, and demanding identity papers while recording the encounter on video.
According to the complaint, Punith also threatened the house owner and warned him against renting rooms to migrant workers. Police action followed sustained pressure from civil rights groups, who accused the authorities of allowing repeated acts of intimidation against Muslim migrants.
A police officer said, “The accused was detained following complaints and video evidence. He has now been released on bail as per court orders. The matter remains under legal review.”
The incident occurred on January 13, when Punith allegedly entered the home of a Muslim migrant worker. A video of the episode was uploaded to social media the following day. In the footage, Punith is heard asking the worker, “Which country are you from?” and “Are you Muslim?” before demanding to see an Aadhaar card.
Civil society groups strongly condemned the incident, saying it had no legal basis. A rights activist said, “This is not immigration enforcement. It is communal profiling and open harassment of Muslim workers who are earning their livelihood lawfully.”
Organisations working with migrant labourers said Punith has shared several similar videos online in which Muslim workers are publicly questioned, insulted and intimidated. “These videos create fear and humiliation,” said a Bengaluru-based social worker. “Poor workers are being treated like criminals solely because of their faith.”
Another civil rights activist said Punith’s release has heightened anxiety among migrant families. “When such individuals walk free, it emboldens others to repeat these acts. Muslim migrants already live under constant pressure. The state has a duty to protect them,” he said.
Muslim organisations said the case reflects a broader pattern of targeting Muslim workers by portraying them as outsiders. “These workers are Indian citizens. Calling them Bangladeshis is a false and dangerous tactic used to intimidate them,”said a community representative.
Police said they are continuing to examine the videos and witness statements. Rights groups have demanded strict action and clear directives to prevent vigilante-style questioning of citizens, warning that such acts endanger migrant and working-class communities and threaten social harmony.
