Pratap Simha booked over alleged provocative speech during Ganeshotsava procession

MYSURU, Sept 20: Former Mysuru MP and BJP leader Pratap Simha has been booked by T. Narasipura police along with others for allegedly making provocative remarks during a Ganeshotsava procession on September 18.

The FIR follows the Ganesh Shobhayatra held in T. Narasipura, which had already sparked controversy over remarks allegedly made by local police inspector Dhananjay regarding the procession route near a mosque.

Simha, who participated in the procession, had questioned the police officer’s reported remarks and criticised the manner in which the procession was being handled. Police have now registered a case alleging that Simha and others made provocative statements, hurt religious sentiments and attempted to promote enmity between communities. The specific sections invoked in the FIR were not immediately available.

The action came a day after a Mysuru Congress delegation met the district Superintendent of Police and sought action against Simha and others over the alleged provocative speeches and alleged violation of the stipulated time for concluding the procession.

The FIR has added another dimension to the ongoing controversy. The BJP had earlier demanded action against Inspector Dhananjay over his reported remarks concerning the Ganesh procession.

Reacting to the development, BJP MLA Srivatsa said Simha had anticipated the FIR and alleged that the government was targeting BJP leaders. He defended Simha’s remarks, saying there was nothing provocative in his speech, and said the BJP would deal with the matter through legal means.

Police are expected to examine video recordings and speeches made during the procession as part of the investigation before deciding on further action.