DC in a battle of wits with SP over Ganesh idol immersion

Hassan: A tangle has opened between District Commissioner K S Lathakumari and SP Shubhanwita over immersion of the Pendal Ganapati at historic Devigere in Hassan. The DC has issued a notice to the SP against the background of immersion being allowed despite the ban and of no action being taken against the organisers.

The Pendal Gauri-Ganapati idol immersion, which carries 70 years of history in the city and stands as a symbol of harmony among people of all faiths, has now become the cause of a sharp clash between the district administration and the police department. The open dispute between Hassan DC K S Lathakumari and district Superintendent of Police Shubhanwita, and the notice the DC has issued to the SP, has fed public discussion. On 3 October, MP Shreyas Patel and MLA Swaroop Prakash set the procession moving by beating the dolu. Organisers had earlier obtained permission for idol immersion at Devigere. Yet Ganapati immersion went ahead without the order being followed, even though a prohibitory order on idol immersion at Devigere was in force, and suitable legal action was not taken against the organisers. That has left the DC angry with SP Shubhanwita. The DC’s notice says this irresponsibility is unbecoming of a government servant, that arrogance was shown without performing the duty assigned, and asks why a recommendation for disciplinary action should not be made to the competent authority.

She has directed the SP to appear in person and give a written explanation. Permission had already been given at the same Devigere for immersion of four Ganesha idols. Even so, the restriction placed on the Pendal Ganapati, which has 70 years of history, has drawn expressions of dissatisfaction from the public.

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The Hans India