Hassan: Deputy commissioner KS Latha Kumari has issued a notice to Hassan superintendent of police Shubhanwita, seeking an explanation for allegedly allowing the immersion of Gowri-Ganesha idols at Devigere despite a prohibitory order.The SP has been directed to appear in person and submit a written explanation.Based on reports from Hassan Municipal Corporation and the tahsildar, on Oct 3, the DC had banned the immersion of idols at Devigere, located beside the historic Neerubagilu Anjaneyaswamy Temple.The order was issued to prevent pollution of the historic tank by chemicals and other waste.Despite the ban and locking of Devigere gate, a Ganesha idol and a Gowri idol were reportedly immersed there after 9 pm on Oct 3.The DC questioned why police had failed to prevent the immersion or register cases against those responsible and termed the failure as dereliction of duty and conduct unbecoming of a govt employee. The notice to the SP also asks why disciplinary action should not be recommended against her if no satisfactory explanation is furnished within the stipulated time.Meanwhile, Hassan MLA HP Swaroop Prakash criticised the DC’s decision, saying the administration should have imposed the ban well in advance. He said the Ganesha festival in the region has a 70-year history and the last-minute restriction was unfair.Hassan district minister KM Shivalingegowda said he was not aware of the row until the president of the Ganesha festival committee told him that Ganapati idols were being immersed at Devigere for several years.He said a public meeting would be convened in the coming days to decide whether Ganesha immersion should be permitted at Devigere henceforth.
