Criticism of Pejawar swami: Music director stuck in police station as protestors block exit

Hamsalekha meets police in connection with a complaint against him

Protestors block the road when music director Hamsalekha tried to leave Basavanagudi police station after appearing before the police in connection with a complaint about his remarks on late Vishveshwara theertha swamiji of Pejawar mutt, in Bengaluru on November 25, 2021.

Protestors blocked the road when music director Hamsalekha left Basavanagudi police station on November 25 after appearing before the police in connection with a complaint against him on his remarks on late Vishveshwara theertha swamiji of Pejawar mutt.

Mr. Hamsalekha, during a programme in Mysuru, had said that while an ‘upper’ caste person visiting a Dalit’s house is celebrated such as in the case of the late seer, the important question is if it would also work in the reverse. He had also asked if ‘upper’ caste people would partake the food consumed by Dalits during such visits.

When his remarks were seen as criticism of the seer’s attempts to overcome the caste barrier, Mr. Hamsalekha apologised.

A resident of Bengaluru filed a complaint against Hamsalekha.

On November 25, Hamsalekha went to Basavanagudi police station around 1 p.m. in connection with the complaint. On learning of his presence in the police station, protestors blocked the exit.

Even while police were trying to pacify the protestors, actor Chetan and others turned up to express solidarity with the music director.

Actor Chetan and others express support for music director Hamsalekha who went to Basavanagudi police station in connection with a complaint about his remarks on late Vishveshwara theertha swamiji of Pejawar mutt, in Bengaluru on November 25, 2021.

The police pacified both groups and facilitated the exit of Hamsalekha around 2.15 p.m.