KPCC spokesperson seeks retired HC judge-led inquiry into Ganeshotsav controversies

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson H.A. Venkatesh has called for an independent inquiry headed by a retired High Court judge into the controversies that have surrounded Ganeshotsav celebrations in the State.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Mr. Venkatesh said he was taking exception to Ganesha immersion processions turning into a sensitive social issue and a platform for political confrontation.

According to him, the inquiry should look into statements made by police officers, speeches by political leaders, the circumstances surrounding protests, videos circulated on social media and the sources of rumours. It should cover the various controversies reported across Karnataka, including the T. Narasipur incident, so that the facts can be established. Anyone found guilty should face action under the law, irrespective of identity, he said, while also seeking clear guidelines for Ganeshotsav celebrations.

On the T. Narasipur incident, Mr. Venkatesh referred to media reports that the police had issued precautionary instructions regarding certain activities, including bursting crackers in front of a mosque. BJP leaders opposed the remarks and staged a protest, turning the matter into a political confrontation, he said.

He cautioned that publicising only portions of a police officer's statement, without examining the full context, can create misconceptions and apprehension among people. Political leaders and public representatives should act with greater responsibility on matters concerning religious sentiments, he added.

Mr. Venkatesh further said that former MP Pratap Simha's public criticism of the police officer and his speech during the procession could undermine the morale of the police force. He urged the authorities to examine the complete videos of Mr. Simha's statements and the speeches of other leaders, along with police records and other relevant evidence, and to place the facts before the public.