Mysuru: Another First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against former Mysuru-Kodagu MP Prathap Simha at T. Narasipur Police Station over allegations that he made derogatory remarks against members of the Scheduled Caste community during a Shobha Yatra held in the town on September 19. The latest FIR comes three days after a separate case was registered against the former MP over an allegedly provocative speech during the same event.

The second FIR was registered based on a complaint filed by K.T. Madhu, President of the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Kshemabhivruddhi Kreedaa Kalaa Sangha in T. Narasipur. Police have booked Simha under Sections 352 and 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(u) of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

The allegations relate to remarks that Simha is accused of making publicly during the Shobha Yatra. The complaint also alleges that he threatened Inspector Dhananjay and made derogatory statements concerning caste. The complainant has sought legal action against Simha as well as the organisers of the procession.

Second FIR in three days

The latest case follows an earlier FIR registered on September 20 at T. Narasipur Police Station. That case related to an alleged provocative speech delivered by Simha near a mosque on Link Road during a Ganesha idol immersion procession.

According to the earlier report, the Shobha Yatra had been organised by Hindu organisations following a controversy surrounding the procession. The police action came after allegations that Simha made provocative remarks during the event.

The new FIR concerns a different set of alleged offences and specifically invokes provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The registration of an FIR represents the beginning of a criminal investigation and does not by itself establish that the allegations have been proved.

Complaint alleges caste-related remarks

According to the complaint filed by K.T. Madhu, Simha allegedly insulted members of the Dalit community through remarks made during the Shobha Yatra.

The complainant has alleged that the former MP’s statements amounted to an offence under the provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The complaint also refers to an alleged threat to Inspector Dhananjay.

Based on these allegations, police registered the case under the relevant provisions of the BNS and the SC/ST Act. The investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the remarks and whether the alleged offences are made out.

The complainant has also sought action against those who organised the Shobha Yatra, according to the report.

Prathap Simha denies allegations

Responding to the second FIR, Prathap Simha denied the allegations and said that he had not made statements that would attract provisions of the atrocity law.

Simha said he was not against the Dalit community and disputed the allegations made against him. He also claimed that the Inspector had made a provocative statement and questioned why the FIR had been registered against him.

According to Star of Mysore, Simha said he was aware of the person whom he believed was behind the complaint. He maintained that the statements he made were within the purview of the Constitution and said he would pursue the matter through legal provisions.

His response is separate from the allegations contained in the complaint, which remain subject to police investigation.

Police investigation to establish facts

With the second FIR now registered, the police investigation is expected to examine the statements made during the Shobha Yatra, the circumstances in which they were delivered and the allegations contained in the complaint.

Investigators may also examine available video recordings and statements from people present during the event as part of the process of establishing what happened.

At this stage, the allegations made against Simha have not been established in court. Similarly, Simha’s denial represents his position on the allegations.

The legal provisions cited in the FIR will form part of the investigation and any subsequent proceedings that may follow.

Background to T. Narasipur case

The controversy centres on events surrounding the Ganesha idol immersion procession and Shobha Yatra in T. Narasipur on September 19.

The earlier FIR was registered after allegations that Simha delivered a provocative speech during the procession. The latest complaint has widened the legal proceedings by alleging that remarks made during the same event insulted members of the Scheduled Caste community.

The development comes as police investigate the allegations arising from the procession. The separate FIRs concern different alleged offences, even though both are linked to Simha’s participation in the event.

Legal provisions cited in FIR

The latest case invokes Sections 352 and 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(u) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The provisions of the SC/ST Act cited in the FIR relate to alleged caste-based conduct. Their inclusion reflects the nature of the allegations made in the complaint.

However, the registration of these sections does not amount to a finding of guilt. The police investigation and subsequent legal process will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed against the accused under the sections invoked.

This distinction is important as the case is currently at the FIR and investigation stage.

Political background

Prathap Simha served as the Member of Parliament representing the Mysuru-Kodagu Lok Sabha constituency before the 2024 general election. He has remained active in public and political affairs in the Mysuru region after completing his parliamentary term.

The latest FIR adds to recent legal controversy surrounding his public remarks during events in T. Narasipur.

For now, the two sides have presented contrasting positions. The complainant has alleged that Simha’s remarks amounted to caste-based insult and sought legal action, while Simha has rejected the allegations and said his statements were constitutionally protected.

What happens next

The immediate next step is the police investigation into the allegations outlined in the complaint. Investigators will examine the available evidence and record statements as required.

Depending on the findings, the investigation could lead to further legal proceedings. The final outcome will depend on the evidence collected and the subsequent judicial process.

Until such proceedings establish the facts, the allegations against Simha should be treated as allegations rather than established findings.

Conclusion

A second FIR has been registered against former Mysuru-Kodagu MP Prathap Simha at T. Narasipur Police Station following a complaint alleging caste-based insults during the September 19 Shobha Yatra. The case invokes provisions of the BNS and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Simha has denied the allegations, said he is not anti-Dalit and maintained that his statements were within the Constitution’s purview. The latest case follows an earlier FIR related to an allegedly provocative speech during the same procession.

The latest FIR is currently at the investigation stage, and the allegations have not been established by a court.