Published Sep 20, 2026 | 6:20 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 20, 2026 | 6:20 PM
Former Mysuru-Kodagu BJP MP Prathap Simha.
T. Narasipura police have registered a suo motu case against former Mysuru-Kodagu BJP MP Prathap Simha and others over allegedly making provocative statements during the Ganesh Shobha Yatra in Mysuru district on September 18.
According to reports, the case has been registered under Sections 132, 190, 191, 194, 196(1)(a)(b), 299 and 353(1)(b)(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which relate to offences including obstructing public servants in the discharge of their duties, promoting enmity between groups, and statements allegedly affecting public order.
The case pertains to statements made by Simha against restrictions imposed by the police on a Ganesha procession near a mosque in T Narasipura.
According to police, Simha addressed his supporters near the mosque and publicly criticised T. Narasipura Police Inspector Dhananjaya over restrictions communicated to the organisers ahead of the procession. He also reportedly warned that when the BJP returns to power in the state, the officer would be held to account.
The development comes a day after a delegation of the Mysuru district Congress submitted a complaint to Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi seeking action against Simha and others. The party in its complaint alleged that provocative speeches were made during the procession and that the event continued beyond the permitted time.
However, police have not yet registered an FIR based on the complaint, but instead registered a suo motu case.
Reacting to the FIR, Karnataka Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka said Simha already faced around 25 cases and that the latest FIR was “just one more”.
Ashoka said Simha would not be intimidated by the case and criticised the action against the former MP.
The issue stems from restrictions imposed on the Ganesha processions in the T Narasipura area by the police. BJP workers protested, demanding the suspension of Inspector Dhananjaya, who restricted a proposed rerouting of the procession through an area near a mosque.
Mysuru SP Mallikarjun Baladandi claimed the police were only asking organisers to inform authorities and follow the prescribed arrangements for the procession.
Further investigation into the FIR against Simha and others is underway.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
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