A private tourist bus from Keralam (or Kerala) carrying stickers and slogans glorifying underworld gangster and the prime accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts, Dawood Ibrahim, was spotted in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. The incident triggered protests by Hindu organisation activists and raised security concerns.
The bus had provocative messages such as “Dawood: Rise of Don” and “Emperor strikes again” displayed on it. The slogans portrayed the fugitive underworld gangster and designated terrorist by India as a hero.
Bus Seize: ಬಸ್ ಸೀಜ್ ಮಾಡಿ ಚಿಕ್ಕಮಗಳೂರು ನಗರ ಪೊಲೀಸರಿಂದ ತನಿಖೆ|#TV9D #Tv9kannada #Kerala #Bus #Dawood #Chikkamagaluru #Police #Seize #TV9D https://t.co/xZmspChLOA
— TV9 Kannada (@tv9kannada) November 6, 2026
The controversy began when the bus reached the area near Bolarameshwara Temple in Chikkamagaluru town. Activists from Hindu organisations noticed the stickers, stopped the vehicle and confronted its driver and cleaner, questioning them about the messages.
Keralam Police Stay Silent, Karnataka Police Act. Kerala saaaar 100% literacy saaar A Keralam tourist bus openly glorifying Dawood Ibrahim was seized in Chikkamagaluru by Karnataka police. Instead of creating jobs, the Kerala government sends its youth to other states and countries, then remains silent on the misconduct of fanatics who remain in Keralam itself. Cowardice has a name. #Keralam #Accountability https://t.co/qnplul4jxq
— ಸನಾತನ (सनातन) (@sanatan_kannada) November 6, 2026
Town police soon reached the spot and took the bus into custody along with its documents for inspection. An investigation into the matter is underway.
BJP Yuva Morcha raises security concerns
The incident has also drawn criticism from the BJP Yuva Morcha, which questioned how the bus managed to pass through several police checkpoints before reaching Chikkamagaluru.
The organisation described the incident as a serious security lapse and demanded strict legal action against those responsible for displaying messages glorifying criminals and anti-national elements. It also warned of strong protests if such incidents were repeated.
Similar incident reported six months ago in Tamil Nadu
The controversy has raised further concerns because a similar incident was seen around six months ago in March this year, when a tourist bus from Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore was found carrying stickers and writings supporting the Dawood gang in the same Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka.
The Hindu activists pointed to the earlier incident while questioning why another bus, this time from Keralam, was allowed to travel with such messages. The recurrence has triggered public concern and calls for stricter checks on vehicles entering the area. Police are examining the matter to establish who put up the stickers and why the messages were displayed.
