Congress seeks arrest of playwright Addanda C. Cariappa over remarks on Mahatma Gandhi

Addanda C. Cariappa.

Congress party workers on Monday (November 2) staged a protest at the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner’s office demanding the arrest of playwright and theatre director Addanda C. Cariappa over alleged derogatory remarks on Mahatma Gandhi in his play.

A group of activists had earlier lodged a police complaint against the playwright over the same issue and smeared ink on his face. A case was registered against the protesters as well.

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson M. Lakshman and general secretary S. Manohar submitted a memorandum to the City Police Commissioner seeking action against him on Monday. Speaking to reporters, Mr. Lakshman alleged that the play contained derogatory references to Mahatma Gandhi and attempted to portray Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and Nathuram Godse as those who secured India’s Independence.

Mr. Lakshman said the Congress had complained against the play and demanded that it be cancelled and Mr. Cariappa be arrested. However, the play was being staged under police protection despite the complaints, he alleged. “It is unfortunate that this is happening under a Congress government. Party workers are beginning to wonder whether Karnataka is being governed by the Congress or the BJP,” he said.

Mr. Lakshman said the party would also submit representations to the Chief Minister and the Home Minister, demanding Mr. Cariappa’s arrest for allegedly spreading misinformation about Mahatma Gandhi.

Meanwhile, two platoons of Karnataka State Reserve Police, along with the jurisdictional Banashankari police, have been deployed at the Suchitra Cinema and Cultural Academy, where the drama is being staged, as part of security measures.