Kodagu Bandh Called on December 12 Over Derogatory Remarks on Military Icons

Support for the bandh has been growing, with auto drivers, traders, and business owners voicing their agreement.

Madikeri: The Kodagu Sarva Jananga Okkoota has announced a bandh (shutdown) in Kodagu on December 12, from 6 a.m. to 12 noon, demanding strict action against lawyer K.R. Vidyadhar. The advocate is accused of making derogatory remarks about Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and General K.S. Thimayya in a social media post.

The Okkoota, a federation of various community organizations, has called for Vidyadhar to be banished from Kodagu district for six months to deter such incidents in the future. Speaking at a press conference in Madikeri, Rajeev Bopaiah, the Okkoota's convenor, emphasized the need for strong measures against the accused.

Support for the bandh has been growing, with auto drivers, traders, and business owners voicing their agreement. A total of 29 community organizations have also pledged their backing, Bopaiah stated.

The controversy erupted on November 22 when Vidyadhar was arrested by the Kodagu police late at night for his alleged remarks. He was produced before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court in Madikeri, where the government prosecutor objected to granting him bail. Despite the objections, Vidyadhar was released on conditional bail later that night.

Field Marshal Cariappa and General Thimayya are revered figures in Kodagu for their distinguished military service. The alleged remarks have sparked widespread outrage, with calls for accountability and action to uphold the district's pride and heritage.

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