FIR against Ranveer Singh in Bengaluru for allegedly mocking Daiva tradition

Bengaluru

The High Grounds police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh for allegedly hurting religious sentiments by mocking a sacred Daiva tradition during a public event. The case was registered on Wednesday following directions from the 1st Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Court after a private complaint was filed by city-based advocate Prashanth Methal.

According to the complaint, the alleged incident took place on November 28, 2025, during the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa. The complainant has accused the actor of making derogatory remarks and gestures on stage that allegedly mocked the revered Daiva tradition, specifically imitating the divine expressions associated with Panjurli Daiva, a guardian spirit worshipped across coastal Karnataka.

The complaint further alleges that during the performance, Ranveer Singh referred to Daiva as a “female ghost,” a remark that the complainant described as deeply offensive and blasphemous. Advocate Methal stated that Daiva is not a ghost but a powerful spiritual entity symbolising justice, protection, and divine feminine energy, with centuries-old religious and cultural significance among communities in coastal Karnataka, particularly in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and parts of Uttara Kannada districts.

Calling the remarks a serious insult to Hindu religious beliefs and practices, the complainant argued that such representations distort sacred traditions and undermine the faith of devotees. He also pointed out that the actor’s comments, made at a high-profile international event, had the potential to mislead audiences unfamiliar with the Daiva worship tradition.

The controversy intensified after video clips of the alleged performance surfaced on social media platforms and went viral, triggering widespread criticism. According to the complaint, the video caused mental agony, anger, and resentment among devotees and members of the coastal Karnataka community, many of whom took to social media to express their outrage and demand legal action.

Acting on the court’s direction, the High Grounds police have registered the FIR against Ranveer Singh under Sections 196 (promoting enmity, hatred, or disharmony between different groups on grounds such as religion), 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings), and 302 (intentional wounding of religious feelings) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Police officials said that further investigation is underway, and statements and digital evidence related to the viral video are expected to be examined as part of the probe. No official response from the actor or his representatives was available at the time of filing this report.