Shivamogga, September 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Karnataka Police Department has transferred two personnel after a video showing them lifting BJP MLA S.N. Channabasappa on their shoulders during a Ganesh immersion procession in Shivamogga went viral on social media.
The action was taken as part of disciplinary proceedings, according to an order issued by Shivamogga District Superintendent of Police Nikhil on Wednesday.
The two personnel have been identified as Ganesh and A.K. Prakash, who were attached to the Shivamogga East Traffic Police Station before being transferred.
Under the order, Ganesh has been posted to Agumbe police station near Theerthahalli, while Prakash has been transferred to Anavatti police station near Soraba.
The incident took place during an annual Ganesh procession organised by personnel of the Shivamogga East Traffic Police. Police staff had installed a Ganesh idol on the station premises as part of the celebrations and subsequently took out a procession.
Channabasappa, who represents the Shivamogga City Assembly constituency, joined the procession. A video from the event showed Ganesh and Prakash lifting the MLA on their shoulders while celebrating with him.
The video’s circulation on social media led to questions about whether the conduct of the police personnel was consistent with the neutrality expected of the force, particularly during a religious event involving a political leader.
Shivamogga is regarded as a communally sensitive district and has witnessed communal tensions and retaliatory killings in the past. The latest incident has therefore prompted further discussion about the conduct of police personnel while participating in public religious events.
The district witnessed clashes during an Eid Milad procession in October 2023 and riots following the killing of a Bajrang Dal activist in February 2022.
Shivamogga is also the native place of former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and BJP state president and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra.
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