Pro-Kannada Activists Storm Koramangala Gaming Centre in Fiery Protest

A tranquil Wednesday evening in Bengaluru's bustling Koramangala district took an abrupt and aggressive turn as a contingent of pro-Kannada activists stormed a popular gaming establishment, Laser Republic. The sudden incursion, orchestrated by members of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), plunged the gaming hub into chaos, culminating in significant property damage and a swift police response.

The catalyst for the fiery protest was reportedly the gaming centre's alleged failure to prominently display a name board in Kannada, a contentious issue that has fueled similar demonstrations across the city.

According to eyewitness accounts and police reports, approximately 25 to 30 activists descended upon Laser Republic, located near the venerated Jyothi Nivas College, with a clear agenda to enforce the state's language mandate.

Upon entry, the group immediately launched into vociferous slogans such as "Jai Karnataka" and "Kannadakke Jai," their chants echoing through the premises.

The protest quickly escalated beyond mere vocal demonstration, as activists began to actively vandalize the property. Computers, essential for the centre's operations, were reportedly damaged, and the reception desk bore the brunt of their fury, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

The situation drew immediate attention from the Koramangala police, who rushed to the scene to restore order.

Their timely intervention led to the dispersal of the agitated crowd, preventing further damage and potential escalation of the conflict. Following a thorough assessment of the incident, the police have registered a case against the participating activists. Charges include sections 143 (unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting), 427 (mischief causing damage), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, underscoring the serious nature of the transgression.

This incident is not an isolated event but rather another chapter in a series of assertive demonstrations by the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, targeting commercial establishments deemed non-compliant with local language regulations.

In recent months, similar protests have rattled businesses in prominent areas like Indiranagar, Marathahalli, and JP Nagar, highlighting an ongoing tension surrounding language identity and enforcement within the state capital.

The backdrop to these protests is a government circular, issued earlier, which mandates that a substantial 60% of all commercial signboards must be in Kannada.

With a deadline of February 28 having passed, pro-Kannada organizations have intensified their efforts to ensure strict adherence, often resorting to direct action. While aiming to promote the regional language, these forceful methods frequently lead to public disruption and pose significant challenges for businesses operating in Bengaluru.