Mangaluru: Amid a debate over the conduct of ‘Koli Anka’ during the annual festival at the Garodi Kshetra in the city, police have registered an FIR over alleged provocative content circulated on social media.
Padmaraj Poojary, a Billava community leader and treasurer of Kudroli Gokarnanatheshwara Temple, lodged a complaint alleging that objectionable and inflammatory posts were being shared on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Acting on the complaint, Kankanady police have registered a case and initiated an investigation.
The controversy revolves around Koli Anka, a traditional event held during the Garodi fair. While some devotees maintain that it is merely a recreational activity and not an essential ritual of the festival, others have been insisting that the event should be allowed to continue.
Allegations of provocative content
According to the complaint, a post titled “Kalyug Kalki Post” has been widely circulated on social media. The content is alleged to hurt religious sentiments and has the potential to create unrest, enmity and disturb public peace.
“Misuse of social media to spread false propaganda is illegal and poses a serious threat to social harmony,” Poojary said, adding that he had sought appropriate legal action against those responsible.
Expressing anguish over the posts, he said content that maligns faith, devotion and religious beliefs cannot be tolerated. As a symbolic gesture to promote peace, he announced a special prayer at the Garodi premises in Kankanady at 6 pm on Monday.
He also appealed to those involved in spreading the content to introspect and choose the path of peace, tolerance and harmony. “Differences must be expressed through restraint, culture and lawful means,” he said.
At the same time, Poojary clarified that the administrative machinery had not been misused in any manner regarding the conduct of Koli Anka and that no pressure had been exerted on authorities to stop the event.
