KPCC protest clash: HC stays probe against student accused in BJP MLA attack

Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has stayed further investigation and criminal proceedings against engineering student Punya C. Naik, who was detained in connection with the alleged ‘egg attack’ on BJP MLA B.P. Harish during a protest outside the KPCC office in Bengaluru.

Naik had moved the HC under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), seeking to quash Crime No. 161/2026 registered at Shivajinagar police station under Sections 115(2), 118(1), 126(2) and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The case relates to a clash on July 22, 2026, when BJP workers held a counter-protest opposite the KPCC office on Queen’s Road. Harish, the BJP MLA from Harihar, had alleged that unidentified persons attacked him and other party workers. The FIR alleged that eggs were thrown at BJP leaders and their vehicles and rods were used during the altercation.

The FIR was initially registered against unknown persons. During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel argued that the FIR did not contain the essential ingredients required to constitute the alleged offences against Naik.

Accepting the submissions for the purpose of interim relief, the HC ordered a stay on further investigation and proceedings against the student in the case.

Advocates Rithvik Balanaraj B, Milton Herbert MM and Abhishek Shanbaug M appeared for Naik.