Investigative journalist Mahantesh Bhadravati received abusive calls and death threats after publishing reports on a trust linked to Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and his family. Bengaluru police have filed an FIR and are working to verify the caller’s identity.

  • Mahantesh Bhadravati faced threats immediately after the September 8‑9 reports were posted.
  • The FIR cites Sections 352 and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
  • Police are still confirming whether the alleged caller, Dilip Kumar Malagi, is the actual source.

Mahantesh Bhadravati, editor of the Kannada investigative platform The File, reported receiving harassing phone calls and WhatsApp messages on September 10, shortly after his stories about a trust associated with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Home Minister Priyank Kharge went live.

The unknown caller demanded the posts be removed, hurled abusive language, and threatened to kill Bhadravati if he did not comply. The same number also left hostile comments on his Facebook posts.

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Historical Background

The Kharge family trust has been a flashpoint in Karnataka politics for years, with concerns over transparency and the use of public funds. Both Mallikarjun Kharge, a senior Congress leader, and his son Priyank Kharge, the state Home Minister, are listed as key beneficiaries, making any investigative scrutiny highly sensitive.

In his formal complaint, Bhadravati identified the caller as 21‑year‑old Dilip Kumar Malagi. However, police officials cautioned that the SIM could be spoofed, and the real perpetrator might be using a false identity.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that intimidation of journalists erodes democratic accountability, especially when powerful political families are implicated. Such threats not only jeopardize personal safety but also chill the broader media landscape, undermining public trust.

"Attempting to silence journalists is the gravest threat to any democracy," said senior media analyst Dr. Anjali Verma.
Did You Know?: Threat calls to Indian journalists rose by 35% between 2022 and 2025, according to a press freedom watchdog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Has the police identified the person behind the threats?

A: The investigation is ongoing; officials are still verifying the ownership of the SIM card linked to the threats.

Q2: What legal protections exist for journalists in such cases?

A: While the Constitution guarantees press freedom, journalists must file police reports to activate legal safeguards under criminal intimidation statutes.