Former BJP MP Pratap Simha booked over alleged remarks during Ganesha procession

Police have registered an FIR against former BJP MP Pratap Simha and others over alleged provocative remarks made during a Ganesha idol procession in T Narasipura town, officials said on Sunday.

The case was registered at the T Narasipura police station on Saturday following a complaint by a police sub-inspector, who alleged that Simha made derogatory remarks over a microphone targeting inspector Dhananjay during Friday's procession.

The Ganesha idol procession and immersion were held amid tight security in the town.

According to police, the FIR was registered under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including those relating to assault or criminal force against a public servant to deter them from discharging official duties, rioting, promoting hatred or enmity between different groups, and unlawful assembly, among other offences.

Police said further proceedings in the case would follow.

The case comes amid a controversy over a reported warning issued by the T Narasipura town police inspector ahead of the festival to those installing Ganesha idols in public.

The inspector had reportedly asked organisers not to burst crackers in front of a mosque during the idol procession. The reported warning had triggered controversy and protests by opposition parties.

Simha, who represented Mysuru-Kodagu in the Lok Sabha, is among those booked in connection with the alleged remarks during the procession.