Mysore Former MP Pratap Simha has launched a scathing attack on the Siddaramaiah government following the shocking rape and murder of a minor girl in Mysore during the Dasara festival. The incident, which occurred in broad daylight near the Palace Grounds, has sparked outrage and exposed what Simha calls the “utter collapse of law and governance” in the state.
Speaking to the media, Simha directly criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, questioning his silence on the issue. “CM Siddaramaiah, you may not have daughters, but that does not absolve you from caring for the daughters of this state. A heinous crime has taken place in Mysore, yet you have not even uttered a single word,” Simha said. He demanded accountability from the state government, emphasising that such silence from the highest office in the state emboldens criminals.
Pratap Simha accused the government of failing the police department and obstructing law enforcement. He highlighted the chaos during the Dasara pass distribution system, saying, “People scolded the police, but the blame is not theirs. Who printed excess passes? The police department has reached a deplorable state under this administration.”
He alleged that criminal activities, including drug rackets and espionage operations, are flourishing in Mysore because of political interference. “If the police try to act against criminals, politicians put brakes on them. Officers are forced to stand outside ministers’ houses, waiting for instructions rather than enforcing the law. Even the Home Minister does nothing,” he said. Simha specifically referred to the Nagamangala incident, which the administration had dismissed as minor, questioning the competence of the current Home Ministry.
The tragedy unfolded when a young girl from the Hakkipikki community, visiting Mysore to trade balloons during the Dasara festival, was abducted, raped, and murdered while sleeping near her parents. The day before, another violent incident involving a man named Venkatesh had taken place, but the government allegedly failed to respond proactively.
Simha condemned the lack of preventive measures despite prior warnings. “Mysore is called a city of intellect and culture, yet such barbaric crimes occur in broad daylight. The government should have been vigilant after previous incidents, including the seizure of drug factories, but they are turning a blind eye,” he said.
Simha sharply criticised other Congress leaders for their silence. “When incidents happen across the country, they are the first to comment against the Centre. But in Mysore, a child has been raped and murdered, and no one from Congress—neither Priyank Kharge, Santosh Lad, Siddaramaiah, nor DK Shivakumar—has spoken. This shows the complete collapse of the legal and administrative system in the state,” he said.
He went further, accusing the government of widespread corruption and extortion, alleging that MLAs and ministers are more focused on “collection rackets” than governance. “MLAs are going door-to-door collecting money. Ministers and officials are busy in their own agendas while the public suffers. Criminals are being praised, not punished. For what purpose did you become CM?” he demanded.
Simha stressed the urgent need for the CM to intervene personally. “Give a free hand to the police. Do not force them to follow political protocols while criminals roam freely. Stop this lawlessness. The people of Mysore, and the daughters of this state, deserve justice,” he said.
The former MP concluded on a strong note, warning that such “inaction and corruption” would have political consequences. “This government has failed in governance, law enforcement, and public trust. The people will not forget this, and clean governance will return in the coming years,” he asserted, sending a clear message that public patience with the Siddaramaiah administration is wearing thin.
