Kharge had addressed a public gathering at Ramlila Ground in Haldwani on August 8. Two days later, a ‘shuddhikaran havan’ was reportedly organised at the same location. The ritual sparked criticism from Congress leaders, who alleged that it carried caste related implications as Kharge belongs to the Scheduled Caste community. The complaint was filed by T R Ramappa of the Adivasi Congress. It alleges that the ceremony sent a discriminatory message and sought legal action under provisions of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Following a legal review of the complaint, Bengaluru Police registered the Zero FIR. Since the alleged incident took place in Uttarakhand, the case is expected to be transferred to the concerned authorities there for further investigation. The BJP has rejected the allegations and denied that the ceremony had anything to do with Kharge’s caste. Party leaders and organisers have maintained that the havan was conducted over concerns about the condition of the venue following the rally, and that there was no intention to insult the Congress president. The dispute has since turned into a political confrontation between the BJP and Congress. Congress leaders have accused the BJP of promoting discriminatory practices, while the BJP has maintained that the allegations are politically motivated and have been given a caste angle.

The controversy has also reached the Uttarakhand High Court, where a separate petition has sought an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the alleged purification ceremony. With the FIR now registered, investigators are expected to examine the sequence of events, statements of those involved and the circumstances in which the ritual was organised. The probe will also determine whether the allegations made in the complaint disclose any offence under the sections cited. The case has added to the ongoing political debate over caste, dignity and public conduct, with both parties likely to continue pressing their respective positions as the investigation moves forward.