A controversy over the Kannada theatrical production Gandhi Hatyeya Satya has led Bengaluru Police to suspend all ongoing and scheduled performances at Suchitra Cinema and Cultural Academy in Banashankari.
The decision came after protests against the play escalated into a confrontation involving its writer and director, Addanda C. Cariappa, a former director of Rangayana Mysuru.
The play, organised by the Kodagu-based Rangabhoomi Trust, has attracted criticism over its portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi and references to India's Partition. Following complaints from protesters and a counter-complaint from Cariappa, the police have stepped in to prevent further disturbances.
Banashankari Police issued an official notice to the academy, informing its management that all performances must remain suspended until further instructions. The notice stated that complaints and counter-complaints concerning the production were being investigated.
Authorities also warned that the management could face legal consequences if it continued hosting performances that resulted in law-and-order issues.
Police personnel, including members of the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP), were deployed at the venue to maintain security and prevent further confrontations.
The controversy intensified after protesters disrupted a performance of the play. The demonstrators, reportedly led by Kushal Hanumegowda and described as Congress workers, confronted Cariappa over the content of the production.
During the incident, ink was allegedly smeared on the director's face, further escalating tensions at the venue.
Bengaluru - Police have ordered the suspension of all ongoing and scheduled performances of the controversial Kannada play Gandhi Hatyeya Satya at Suchitra Cinema and Cultural Academy in Banashankari. Written and directed by former Rangayana Mysuru director Addanda C. Cariappa and organised by the Kodagu-based Rangabhoomi Trust, the play’s final scheduled show. Banashankari police pasted a notice on the academy’s gate stating that complaints and counter-complaints regarding the production were under investigation. The management was warned of legal consequences if any performance was held and led to a law-and-order problem. Security, including Karnataka State Reserve Police personnel, had been deployed at the venue. The action follows escalating protests, demonstrators described as Congress workers and led by Kushal Hanumegowda disrupted a performance, confronted Cariappa, and allegedly smeared ink on his face. They lodged a complaint accusing the play of distorting history, portraying Mahatma Gandhi as “anti-national” and a “slave of Muslims,” blaming Gandhi and the Congress for Partition, and making misleading references such as a ₹50 crore payment to Pakistan. They also objected to audience slogans and alleged black-market ticket sales. Cariappa filed a counter-complaint alleging assault, threats, and disruption of the performance. Both sides’ complaints were registered.
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Following the disruption, the protesters submitted a complaint to the police, accusing the production of presenting a distorted version of history. They objected to the alleged portrayal of Gandhi as "anti-national" and a "slave of Muslims". The complainants also criticised references linking Gandhi and the Congress party to India's Partition.
Another major objection concerned an alleged reference to a ₹50 crore payment to Pakistan. The protesters questioned the accuracy of the claim and argued that the play contained misleading historical representations.
Apart from the content, the demonstrators also raised concerns about slogans allegedly raised by members of the audience. They further alleged that tickets for the performances were being sold through black-market channels.
Cariappa responded by filing a counter-complaint against those involved in the protest. He alleged that he was assaulted, threatened and prevented from conducting the performance peacefully. His complaint also highlighted the disruption caused by the demonstrators.
With complaints registered from both sides, the police have begun examining the allegations. The suspension of performances is intended to prevent the dispute from developing into a larger law-and-order situation while the investigation continues.
The incident has brought renewed attention to the debate surrounding artistic expression, political protests and the portrayal of historical personalities through theatre.
For the time being, performances of Gandhi Hatyeya Satya at Suchitra Cinema and Cultural Academy remain suspended. The future of the production will depend on the outcome of the police investigation and subsequent directions from the authorities.
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