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Court orders FIR againt Karnataka home minister over ₹500 bet
22 Apr 2026

A Bengaluru court has directed the Kodigehalli Police Station to file a First Information Report (FIR) against Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara.

The directive comes after reports of a ₹500 bet placed by Parameshwara during a kabaddi tournament in Tumakuru last year.

The decision was taken by 42nd Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate KN Shivakumar, who found merit in a private complaint filed by one H R Nagabhushan.

Prima facie case found against Parameshwara, Deputy Commissioner
Legal proceedings

The court noted that there seemed to be a prima facie case against Parameshwara and Deputy Commissioner Shubha Kalyan.

It observed that the police had earlier dismissed the complaint as baseless without considering newspaper reports or summoning documents from the complainant.

The court also clarified that prior sanction from authorities was not needed since the alleged offenses were not part of the official duties of Parameshwara and Kalyan.

Controversy over alleged betting during kabaddi match
Admission and backlash

The controversy began when Parameshwara lost a ₹500 bet during the tournament. He had placed the bet with Kalyan on the Vijayapura team, which lost to the Dakshina Kannada team.

Despite being a small amount and said in jest, it drew legal scrutiny, as betting is illegal.

The complainant argued that such statements by public figures could promote illegal activities.

Investigation ordered into matter
Defense stance

As the Dakshina Kannada District Team won the competition, Parameshwara disclosed in a public statement about him losing the bet

After facing backlash, Parameshwara had clarified that the incident was a "light-hearted discussion" and not serious betting.

He asked, "As Home Minister, would I go to the extent of placing bets? Unnecessary controversy is being created."

The matter will be next heard on April 30.