VHP demands arrest of those who smeared ink on Addanda Cariappa
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad called for a probe and police protection after protesters targeted the playwright during a performance in Bengaluru.
The Legal Cell of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), South Karnataka, has demanded the immediate arrest of individuals who allegedly smeared ink on former Rangayana Director Addanda Cariappa in Bengaluru on Saturday, according to The Hindu.
The incident occurred at a film academy in Banashankari during a theatrical performance of the play 'Gandhi Hatheya Kicchu'. Protesters reportedly objected to the portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi in the production.
A complaint filed by Kushal Hanumegowda and 14 others alleged that the play portrayed Mahatma Gandhi as anti-national and Nathuram Godse as a hero. The complainants also claimed the play blamed Gandhi and the Congress for the Partition of the country.
The VHP described the act as an attack on freedom of expression and an affront to the dignity and cultural identity of the Kodava community. The organisation has sought a detailed probe to identify those who instigated the incident.
A senior police officer told the Deccan Chronicle that complaints have been received from both the protesters and the playwright. The officer stated that no FIR has been registered yet and an investigation is underway.