Key Takeaways
- A video showing Congress leader Matheen Patel holding what appeared to be firearms and dancing at a family function in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi district has sparked criticism on social media and prompted a police inquiry.
- The display of weapons in public places is a criminal offence, and a detailed inquiry will precede any action, including the possible registration of a suo motu case.
- Action under the Arms Act will be taken if the firearms are confirmed to be actual and found illegal.
Kalaburagi: A video showing Congress leader Matheen Patel holding what appeared to be firearms and dancing at a family function in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi district has sparked criticism on social media and prompted a police inquiry.
The video, which has gone viral, shows Patel arriving in a black SUV and dancing to a song from the film Dhurandhar while holding what looked like a pistol. Some of his supporters were also seen carrying gun-like objects, raising questions about legality and public safety.
Social media users criticised the display, describing it as irresponsible and raised concern over what they termed growing “gun culture” in public events.
Patel, who is known to be closely associated with Afzalpur MLA MY Patil, defended himself, saying the object seen in the video was a toy gun and that he had dressed as a character from the film at the request of his children during a private family gathering. He said the footage was being misinterpreted and that police had already inquired into the matter.
Kalaburagi City Police Commissioner Sharanappa S D said police have been directed to verify in detail what weapons were being shown and to ascertain where the video was shot and under which police station it falls.
He said officers would determine whether the arms were real, whether there was a valid licence, and if any conditions were violated. If the firearms are confirmed to be actual and found illegal, action under the Arms Act will be taken.
Displaying weapons in public places is a criminal offence, he added, and a detailed inquiry will precede any action, including the possible registration of a suo motu case.
