Karnataka police have filed a FIR against nine people, including a priest, for conducting a 'Rathotsav' ritual in violation of Deputy Commissioner's instructions issued in the backdrop of the Covid-19 situation.

The religious programme was held on January 17 in Sakharayapattana in the Kadur taluk of Chikkamgalur, after DC K.N. Ramesh issued prohibitory orders on Sri Shakuna Raganathaswamy's devotional fare and Rathotsav celebration, in which the idol of God is carried about in a palanquin. Thousands of people attended the religious ceremony despite the prohibition, and all programmes were held.

Revenue inspector Jintendra has filed a complaint with the Sakharayapattana police station in this regard. On Wednesday, a FIR was filed against priest Krishna Bhat based on the complaint.

Naveen, Varun, Reethu, Sandeep, Sachin, Ganesh, Ullas, and Nithin were among the other defendants. The religious meal was organised and facilitated by all of them. The probe is still ongoing.

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