Chaos prevails during Dasara prize distribution in Madikeri, two cops hurt

MADIKERI: A heated altercation broke out on stage during the prize distribution ceremony for the best display at the Dasara celebrations, organised by the Dashamantapa Samiti at the Gandhi Maidan in Madikeri on Friday.

During the award ceremony at Gandhi Maidan, members of the Keravale Bhagavathi Temple committee became agitated and stormed the stage, claiming that they had been unfairly judged. They knocked over the award plaques and other items on stage, expressing their frustration with the Dasara committee’s decision.

The police intervened, resorting to mild lathicharge to restore order. Despite this, the temple committee members refused to calm down, shouting slogans and accusing the Dasara committee of cheating. The situation escalated to the point where Deputy Superintendent of Police Suraj was injured in the head and police constable Uday was also attacked by the temple committee members. The police have registered a case and the injured policemen have been admitted to a hospital.

Police Superintendent Ramarajan said, “Every year, there is some dispute over the prize distribution by the Dashamantapa Samiti. When the commotion broke out, Deputy SP Suraj and a police constable when to the stage to pacify the crowd when one Yakshit, who was drunk, created trouble. The Deputy SP tried to get him off the stage and when Yakshit resisted, the officer and the constable fell down”.

“The Deputy SP has suffered injuries in the head and leg and Yakshit has been arrested and a case registered against him under various sections. Since disputes arise every year, a case has been registered against the Dashamantapa Samiti also”, the SP added.