Bengaluru Influencer Arrested For Scaring Residents With Fake Guns And Bodyguards

Arun Kathare, a Bengaluru-based social media influencer, has been arrested by the Kothanur Police for allegedly roaming with fake guns, resembling AK-47s and bodyguards in public places, creating a sense of fear among the residents.

Last month, on June 9, Kathare, a resident of JP Nagar, was seen walking around a hotel in Chokkanahalli with some people dressed like bodyguards carrying fake guns. After receiving several complaints from the residents, the police arrested the 26-year-old influencer.

After his interrogation, the Kothanur police registered a case against Kathare for causing public disturbance under the Arms Act and Section 290 of IPC (now Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita). He has been sent to judicial custody.

The Police officials said that Kathare often posts videos on his Instagram account wearing false jewellery and posing with fake guns, luxurious cars and motorcycles to get fame on social media. Some footage also depicted the guy posing with girls.

According to the Times of India, the influencer informed the police officials that he rents luxurious cars and toy guns and wears gold-plated ornaments to make reels on Instagram. On June 9, he was stopped shooting a reel video near a hotel after which he went near a park in the Bharatiya City to make the video. He told police that he earns around Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 per month by uploading reels.

For the Bhartiya City video, he rented toy guns for Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 and a Mercedez Benz car for 8 hours for Rs 10,000.

Arun Katahre enjoys a massive fan base on social media with around 2.95 lakh followers on Instagram.

After arresting the influencer, the Bangalore police shared a video of Kathare on their official X handle and wrote, “That moment when ‘likes’ turn into ‘cuffs’. Bengaluru City Police doesn’t just watch; we act #WeServeWeProtect.”

Well, this is not the first time an influencer has been arrested for creating videos. Earlier in March this year, a 25-year-old YouTuber was arrested for performing stunts with his SUV on a busy flyover in the national capital and setting up a Delhi Police barricade on fire in an attempt to make reels on social media.

Identified as Pradeep Dhaka, the influencer was arrested from his house and was also issued a fine of Rs 36,000 for violation of traffic rules and regulations.