Heavy police presence at Kattemadu temple after dispute over imposition of dress code

MADIKERI: Heavy police deployment was seen at the Mahamrutyunjaya temple at Kattemadu in Madikeri district after tensions arose between two groups of imposition of a dress code at the first year celebrations of the temple. Around 300 police personnel were deployed around the temple while two KSRP platoons were stationed on the road leading to the temple on Monday while prohibitory orders have also been imposed till January 2 in a 5-km radius.

A dispute arose between two groups during the temple fair on December 27 over imposition of a dress code at the temple. While one group had planned a bike rally, another group also tried to enter the temple on Monday. Early in the morning, the Ponnampet police visited the houses of Kodava Riders Club president Ajjikuttira Prithvi Subbaiah, Chammattira Praveen Uthappa and Sannuvanda Darshan Kaverappa and took them to the police station.

Following the detention, a large crowd gathered in front of the police station and the police had a tough time trying to convice them to drop the bike jatha plan. The riders insisted that they would take out a peaceful rally up to the temple and would not block the roads or raise slogans.

Meanwhile, a peace meeting had also been called and Police Superintendent K Ramarajan appealed to both groups to find an amicable solution. He also warned of strict action if anyone tries to disturb peace. “People should not spread misinformation on social media and try to disturb peace. About 50 people have been detained by the Ponnampet police”, he said.