Despite listed rowdy sheeter, Prashanth works as sting journalist in Power TV

Bengaluru/Chikkaballapura

Despite being formally listed as a rowdy sheeter by the Karnataka Police, K V Prashanth Kumar—is presently working as a sting operator with Power TV. The documents pertaining to the rowdy sheet were secured through the Right to Information Act. 

The sources in the Power TV revealed that he is a close associate of Power TV Managing Director Rakesh Shetty, raising concerns about background verification and ethical safeguards within this media organisation. It must be noted that on January 6, 2026, Bengaluru court sentenced Shetty to three months of civil prison for defaming IPS officer Ravikanthe Gowda. 

Police files from Bagepalli Police Station, under the Chikkaballapura sub-division, clearly establish that a rowdy sheet was opened against Prashanth Kumar in September 2012 following repeated criminal cases and adverse police assessments regarding his conduct. The rowdy sheet was opened after recommendations by the station house officer, circle inspector, and approval from senior police authorities, including the Deputy Superintendent of Police.

Basis for opening the rowdy sheet

According to official police observations recorded at the time, Prashanth Kumar was described as a person who posed a threat to public peace, frequently associated with “anti-social elements,” and allegedly involved in activities that caused disturbance to law and order. The records specifically mention that he projected himself as a journalist, threatened individuals and institutions with adverse media coverage, and allegedly used this claim to intimidate government officials, organisations, and private citizens.

Police further noted that surveillance was necessary to monitor his movements and prevent recurrence of such incidents, which led to the formal opening of the rowdy sheet under established policing norms.

Criminal cases cited in police records

The rowdy sheet and annexed FIRs list multiple criminal cases registered against Prashanth Kumar over the years:

• Crime No. 0122/2011 – Bagepalli Police Station:
  Registered under Sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 447 (criminal trespass), 504 (intentional insult), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC.
  
• Crime No. 0073/2012 – Bagepalli Police Station:
  Registered under Sections 353 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant), 448 (house trespass), 504, 506 read with 34 IPC.
  
• Crime No. 0044/2016 – Bagepalli Police Station:
  Registered under Section 171E IPC, relating to alleged illegal practices during elections.
  
• Crime No. 0365/2023:
  Registered under Sections 354(D), 153A, 504, 506, 509 read with 34 IPC, involving allegations of harassment, promoting enmity, criminal intimidation, and insult to modesty.
  

Police documents clarify that these are registered cases, some of which have proceeded to charge sheets and court proceedings, while others were under investigation at the time of record compilation.

Key incidents highlighted

One of the most serious incidents cited in the rowdy sheet relates to a 2011 episode at a private school in Bagepalli, where Prashanth Kumar allegedly entered the school premises without authorisation, recorded staff members on camera, abused a woman teacher using derogatory language, physically assaulted her, and issued threats, claiming he had media backing. A charge sheet was later filed in the case, and the matter proceeded to trial.

Another case involved an alleged incident at an RTO check post, where he and others reportedly obstructed officials on duty, created a commotion, and interfered with government functions.

Current media role raises questions

Despite this documented background, Prashanth Kumar is presently functioning as a sting operator with Power TV, a channel headed by MD Rakesh Shetty, according to records in a 2023 FIR where he is identified as “Power TV Prashanth Kumar.” This has triggered questions within media and legal circles regarding due diligence, editorial oversight, and the blurring of lines between journalism and coercion.

It is important to note that a rowdy sheet is a preventive surveillance measure, and its existence does not by itself constitute a conviction. However, the continued association of a listed rowdy sheeter with a media organisation—particularly in a role involving stings and confrontational reporting—has renewed debate on media accountability and public trust.