Karnataka: Thousands gather disrespecting prohibitory orders to celebrate annual festival in Haveri

HAVERI: Historic annual festival of Brahmalingeshwara deity was held in Karjagi village in Haveri taluk by violating prohibitory orders clamped by the district administration to contain the spread of novel Coronavirus. The police have booked a case against 69 persons for holding celebration amid pandemic.
The fair was held on Thursday, however, the videos of celebration have gone viral on social media platforms on Friday.Cases have been registered against committee members of Brahmalingeshwar Temple who allegedly held the fair and also against their family members for gross violation of the government’s order.
The committee members of Brahmalingeshwar temple in Karjagi village of Haveri taluk have organized Kara Hunnime celebration on Thursday at the temple premises despite Deputy Commissioner Krishna Bajpai’s order.
Organizers have conducted bullock carts procession and thousands of devotees had participated in this celebration not even bothering about section144 of CrPC imposed by the authority.
"Haveri rural police have booked cases against the accused under the Disaster Management Act 2005 and Epidemic Diseases Act 1897," said Additional Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi.
"Villagers of Karjagi had visited the office seeking permission for historic Kara Hunnime celebrations in last week. But, I denied permission as the prohibitory orders were in place. Haveri assistant commissioner and Tahsildar have conducted a series of meetings with villagers and asked them not to conduct celebrations. Despite this, they went ahead and strict action will be taken against all those who are responsible for this," said Deputy Commissioner Bajpai.