Early on October 3, the Madikeri Dasara festival in Karnataka was marred by an outbreak of trouble during which P. A. Suraj, the Deputy Superintendent of Police for Kodagu district, sustained injuries.
The incident unfolded at Gandhi Maidan during the award presentation ceremony following the Dashamantapa procession. A significant number of attendees rushed the stage, vocalizing accusations of discrimination in the selection of awardees.
Kodagu District Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan reported that while officers were endeavoring to clear the protestors from the stage, Mr. Suraj was allegedly pushed, resulting in serious injuries.
The Deputy Superintendent of Police was immediately taken to a hospital, where he is being treated for a head injury and a laceration on his leg.
A person identified as Yakshit has been apprehended in connection with allegedly pushing Mr. Suraj and will be charged under Sections 132 and 355 of BNS 2023.
Superintendent Ramarajan noted that the Dashamantapa award ceremony has a history of similar discrimination complaints. Consequently, the police had previously recommended to the organizers to prevent such disturbances by distributing prizes to all participating mantapas.