Bengaluru witnessed a concerning incident involving two former contestants of the popular reality show Kannada Bigg Boss, Rajat Kishan and Vinay Gowda, who were arrested on March 24, 2025, for brandishing a deadly weapon in a video shared on social media. This has not only sparked outrage among fans but has raised significant questions about the responsibility of public figures in maintaining social decorum.
The arrests were made by the Basaveshwara Nagar police, following the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the duo. According to PSI Bhanu Prakash, who leads the social media unit within the police department, the authorities had been actively monitoring various platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, X, and Snapchat, for potentially disturbing content. When their team came across an approximately 18-second video featuring Kishan and Gowda handling a weapon in a public setting, it triggered alarm bells.
Prakash expressed this concern to local media, stating, "Brandishing weapons in public, especially in a way that resembles a threat, is unacceptable as it can lead to panic or fear among the public." The police found that the video, which was uploaded under the Instagram account name 'Bujji,' projected an image that could instill fear among viewers, despite the claims that the intent may not have been to threaten anyone directly.
In the video, both Kishan and Gowda appear to be attempting a playful stunt, but law enforcement viewed it as a serious breach of safety protocols. The FIR details that their actions constituted an unlawful breach of peace in a public place.
The two contestants gained their fame through the Bigg Boss Kannada reality series, with Vinay Gowda finishing in the top four during Season 10, while Rajat Kishan reached the grand finale of Season 11. Their celebrity status adds another layer to the incident, as their actions have the potential to influence their considerable fan base, particularly regarding perceptions of violence and security.
As the dust settles, the emphasis now rests on the broader implications of such actions. The police's swift response highlights a growing concern in society about how social media can be a double-edged sword—while it connects and entertains, it can also be a platform for irresponsible behavior that endangers public peace.
Following their arrests, both men were questioned thoroughly by the police. This decisive action not only reflects the police's commitment to maintaining public safety but also sets a precedent for how similar cases might be handled in the future. The authorities’ vigilance in monitoring social media for content that could potentially lead to disorder showcases an increasing responsibility to safeguard community welfare.
The actions leading to this incident serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of carelessness, particularly from those in the public eye. Kishan and Gowda’s celebrity status does not exempt them from legal scrutiny or accountability. As they move forward, it remains to be seen how this incident will affect their careers and the fanbase they built during their time on reality television.
Ultimately, the incident serves as a significant moment of reflection for public figures on the impact of their actions and the potential repercussions they could have on their fans, communities, and personal lives. In a society where social media plays a crucial role, it is imperative for individuals—especially those with a wide audience—to act responsibly and thoughtfully.
