DC Serves Notice On SP Over Permission For Ganesh Idol Immersion At Sacred Pond

A notice has been served on Superintendent of Police Shubhanwita of Hassan district by Deputy Commissioner K.S. Lathakumari over permission granted by the SP despite a ban order not to allow Lord Ganesh idol immersion at sacred Devi Kere, a pond associated with religious beliefs that Goddess-Varahi, Indrani and Chamundi reside there.

At a press conference in Hassan on Tuesday, Deputy Commissioner Latha Kumari clarified a notice has been served on the Superintendent of Police over “administrative” reasons and stated “nothing personal” nor “cold war” going on with the police department.

The DC explained Hassan Tahsildhar had submitted a report that allowing Lord Ganesh idol immersion made of Plaster of Paris (PoP) polluted Devi Kere and acting the report of the Tahsildhar a ban order was issued not to allow Lord Ganesh immersion at the pond having religious significance associated with the people of the region since 12th century. “The ban on immersion was issued to conserve the sanctity of the pond,” clarified the DC.

On October 3, the DC said organisers of Ganesh Pandal immersed a Ganesh idol at Devi Kere without prior approval from officials concerned. The organisers had not specified the height, width of the Ganesh idol among other materials meant to be immersed at the pond.

The DC questioned “Had any untoward incident had occurred then the District Administration would have to take the blame?” and she recalled the last year’s tragedy during immersion of Lord Ganesh idol at Mosalehosahalli in Hassan where 11 persons going in a procession were knocked down by a speeding truck.

“The last year’s tragedy needed stern action so as such tragic incidents do not reoccur,” stated the Deputy Commissioner.

Holenarsipur MLA and former minister H.D. Revanna refused to comment on DC’s notice to SP and stated “When SP has not been spared, even I will get notice (one-day)?”