Ex-BJP MP Pratap Simha booked over alleged inflammatory remarks during Ganesh Shobha Yatra

A Ganesh procession that had already placed T Narasipura under heightened security has now triggered a police case against former Mysuru MP Pratap Simha and several others, with the police alleging that provocative remarks made during the September 18 Shobha Yatra had the potential to disturb public order.

The T Narasipura police have registered an FIR against Simha and others in connection with the procession, citing allegations of inflammatory statements, interference with police duties and remarks that could promote hostility between different groups and castes.

The case has been registered under Sections 132, 191, 194, 196(1)(a)(b), 299, 353(1)(b)(c) and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

What is the case against Pratap Simha?

The FIR stems from events surrounding the Ganesh idol procession held in T Narasipura on September 18.

The procession had become a flashpoint following an earlier dispute over its route and remarks attributed to local police inspector Dhananjay.

According to the police case, Simha and others allegedly made statements during the Shobha Yatra that could inflame tensions between different communities and castes.

The allegations also include interference with public servants while they were carrying out their official responsibilities.

Police have further alleged that some of the remarks could hurt religious sentiments and affect public peace.

The FIR also reportedly refers to controversial comments concerning the Dalit Sangharsha Samiti and Dr BR Ambedkar.

Multiple BNS sections invoked

The FIR invokes several provisions of the BNS covering alleged obstruction of public servants, unlawful assembly and conduct linked to public disorder, promotion of hostility between groups and alleged insult to religious beliefs.

The sections cited are:

• Section 132: Alleged obstruction of a public servant in the discharge of duty.
• Sections 191 and 194: Provisions invoked in connection with unlawful assembly and conduct allegedly linked to disturbance of public peace.
• Sections 196(1)(a)(b): Alleged promotion of enmity or ill-will between different groups or communities.
• Section 299: Alleged deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
• Sections 353(1)(b)(c): Allegations concerning statements or conduct connected with public order.
• Section 190: Provision relating to liability connected with offences committed by members of an unlawful assembly.

The charges reflect the allegations recorded in the FIR and are yet to be established through the investigation and subsequent legal process.

Dispute had escalated ahead of procession

The FIR comes against the backdrop of a larger dispute in T Narasipura over the route of the Ganesh procession and comments attributed to the local police inspector.

The issue had drawn political attention, with Simha publicly criticising the police officer before the September 18 event.

The Shobha Yatra eventually proceeded through the disputed stretch amid a substantial police presence.

Reports said the administration had made extensive security arrangements as the town prepared for the procession as well as a separate Constitution Harmony Rath Yatra.

The latest FIR adds another layer to the dispute, shifting the focus from the procession route to the remarks and conduct alleged to have occurred during the event.

Police have begun investigating the case. The registration of an FIR is not a finding of guilt, and the allegations against Simha and the other accused will be subject to investigation and due legal process.