Mysuru: An FIR has been registered against former Mysuru MP Pratap Simha and others at the T. Narasipur Police Station over an alleged provocative speech during a Ganesha idol immersion procession on Friday, September 18.

According to the complaint, Simha allegedly delivered the speech near a mosque on Link Road while the Shobha Yatra was passing through T. Narasipur. Police have invoked multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), citing allegations relating to public order, obstruction of public servants and promoting enmity between groups.

The case comes against the backdrop of a dispute over the route and conduct of the Ganesha procession in T. Narasipur, where remarks made by local Police Inspector Dhananjaya ahead of the festival had triggered protests and political reactions.

FIR registered at T. Narasipur police station

The FIR, numbered 328/2026, was registered at T. Narasipur Police Station under the Nanjangud Sub-Division based on a complaint lodged by Sub-Inspector N.M. Malleshaiah, according to Star of Mysore.

The sections cited in reports include provisions concerning allegedly obstructing a public servant from performing official duties, rioting or fighting in a public place, promoting enmity or ill-will between different groups, circulating information likely to cause public disorder and unlawful assembly.

Asianet Newsable reported that the FIR also includes allegations concerning remarks linked to the Dalit Sangharsha Samithi and Dr B.R. Ambedkar, besides claims that police personnel were allegedly obstructed in the discharge of their duties.

The allegations are part of the police case and have not been established by a court. Registration of an FIR does not by itself establish guilt.

Speech allegedly made near mosque

According to the police account cited by Star of Mysore, permission had been granted for speeches only at the beginning or end of the procession.

Mysuru Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi said the organisers had sought permission for a speech midway through the procession, but permission had not been granted.

The SP said Simha initially spoke at the permitted point but allegedly addressed the gathering again when the procession reached an area near a mosque. Police have alleged that the speech was provocative and could affect public order.

The police had reportedly anticipated a large gathering and made arrangements accordingly. The SP said the organisers had sought permission for around 300 people, while the police expected nearly 5,000 participants and prepared alternative security plans.

T Narasipur procession row

The FIR is linked to a wider dispute that began before the Ganesha procession.

Earlier, T. Narasipur Police Inspector Dhananjaya had addressed festival organisers during a meeting concerning the procession route. His remarks about the route and activities near a mosque led to criticism from BJP leaders and supporters of the procession.

Police subsequently clarified that there was no blanket ban on the procession and that organisers were only required to inform authorities and follow the designated route.

Former MP Pratap Simha had publicly opposed the restrictions and announced his support for the procession. Before the September 18 Shobha Yatra, he posted that he would be in T. Narasipur for the event.

The controversy subsequently became a political issue, with BJP leaders demanding action against the police inspector.

BJP leaders had protested against police

Karnataka Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka had earlier visited T. Narasipur and questioned the restrictions imposed around the Ganesha procession.

BJP leaders had demanded the suspension of Inspector Dhananjaya, alleging that his comments amounted to interference with the religious procession. Pratap Simha had also said the protest would continue until action was taken against the inspector.

Mysuru SP Mallikarjun Baladandi, however, maintained that police had not stopped the procession. He said the organisers were asked to inform the authorities and follow the established route to ensure adequate security arrangements.

This difference in the accounts became a major point of contention in the days leading up to the procession.

Simha says he will respond after examining FIR

Pratap Simha has not accepted the allegations against him. Speaking after the FIR was registered, he said he had not yet seen the contents of the FIR and would respond after examining the case.

“I have not yet seen the FIR. I will respond to the case filed against me in T. Narasipur after going through its contents,” Simha was quoted as saying by Star of Mysore.

His response leaves the allegations to be addressed through the legal process as the police investigation proceeds.

Police cite public order concerns

The police case has been registered under several BNS provisions that relate to maintaining public order and preventing conduct that could promote hostility between groups.

Asianet Newsable reported that the sections invoked include Sections 132, 191, 194, 196(1)(a)(b), 299, 353(1)(b)(c) and 190 of the BNS. The precise application of each provision will be examined during the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.

Police have also linked the case to alleged interference with the duties of personnel deployed for security during the procession.

The FIR is therefore broader than a complaint solely about the speech and includes several allegations concerning the conduct of the procession and interaction with police personnel.

Investigation underway

The T. Narasipur police are expected to examine video footage, statements from police personnel, organisers and witnesses, and other available evidence as part of the investigation.

The case follows a highly publicised dispute over the Ganesha procession route, which attracted political attention before the event. Despite the controversy, the immersion procession was completed late on September 18, with police maintaining security arrangements in the town.

The FIR against Simha and others is now part of the legal process. The allegations will have to be established through investigation and, if the case proceeds, judicial proceedings.