FIR filed against Ranveer Singh in Bengaluru for mimicking sacred spirit worshipped in coastal Karnataka
An FIR has been registered against Ranveer Singh at the High Grounds Police Station in Bengaluru for allegedly insulting Hindu religious sentiments and the Chavundi Daiva tradition of coastal Karnataka. The case was filed on Wednesday,
What the complaint alleges
The FIR stems from an incident a few months ago when Ranveer Singh faced criticism for mimicking the Daiva scene from Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 during a public event. The alleged act took place at the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), held in Goa on November 28, 2025.
The case has been booked under Sections 196, 299 and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The complaint was filed by Prashanth Methal (46), a Bengaluru-based advocate.
According to the FIR, the complainant alleged that Ranveer Singh made derogatory remarks and performed a mocking stage act that demeaned the revered Daiva tradition. Methal claimed that the actor imitated expressions associated with Panjurli and Guliga Daiva in a crude and comical manner.
The complaint further alleged that Ranveer referred to the sacred Chavundi Daiva as a “female ghost”.
Why the remarks are being contested
The FIR clarifies that Chavundi Daiva is a revered guardian deity symbolising divine feminine energy in the coastal regions of Karnataka. Portraying the deity as a ghost, the complainant stated, amounted to a serious misrepresentation that hurt religious sentiments and caused mental agony to devotees.
The complainant stated that he came across a video of the performance on December 2, 2025, while scrolling through Instagram at the Karnataka State Billiards Association in Bengaluru. The video was reportedly shared by an account named Brief Chaat.
The FIR further alleges that the act was deliberate and malicious, with the intention of outraging religious feelings and promoting hatred and enmity within society.
Matter before Bengaluru court
A private complaint was filed on December 27, 2025, before the Additional Judicial Magistrate in Bengaluru. On January 23, 2026, the court directed the High Grounds police to register an FIR under Section 175, Clause 3 of the BNS.
The matter has now been referred to the 1st Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court in Bengaluru and is scheduled to be heard on April 8.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India,
