Mangaluru: Police have registered an FIR over allegedly provocative social media posts amid an ongoing debate on the conduct of ‘Koli Anka’ during the annual Garodi Kshetra festival in the city.
The complaint was filed by Padmaraj Poojary, Billava community leader and treasurer of Kudroli Gokarnanatheshwara Temple, who alleged that objectionable and inflammatory content was being circulated on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Acting on the complaint, Kankanady police have initiated an investigation.
The controversy centres on Koli Anka, a traditional event associated with the Garodi fair. While a section of devotees maintains that it is a recreational activity and not an essential ritual of the festival, others have insisted that the event should be allowed to continue.
According to the complaint, a post titled “Kalyug Kalki Post” has been widely shared on social media. The content allegedly hurts religious sentiments and has the potential to create unrest, promote 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 legal action against those responsible for the posts.
Expressing anguish over the circulation of such content, he said any attempt to malign faith, devotion and religious beliefs could not be tolerated. As a symbolic gesture aimed at promoting peace and harmony, he announced a special prayer at the Garodi premises in Kankanady at 6 pm on Monday for the well-being of those spreading misinformation.
Poojary also appealed to those involved to introspect and adopt the path of peace, tolerance and harmony. “Differences must be expressed through restraint, culture and lawful means,” he said.
He clarified that the administrative machinery had not been misused in any manner in connection with the conduct of Koli Anka and that no pressure had been exerted on authorities to stop the event.