Udupi DC doubts authenticity of 'obscene' footage of Island Festival

Udupi, February 7: Deputy Commissioner Dr. M.T. Reju has downplayed the allegations of vulgarism and obscenity during the three-day festival at the St. Mary's Island off Malpe, but said he would seek a report from the police department and the excise department on the matter.

The “Island Festival” held from February 3 to 5, has came under severe criticism from some political parties, for the alleged use of drugs, free flow of alcohol, and other obscenities. A day after the festival was over State-level Kannada television channels telecast blurred visuals of the alleged obscenities adding fuel to the fire.

However, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Reju insisted that contrary to what was portrayed in the media, it was a music festival and not a rave party. The proceedings of the festival were watched by 20 policemen and 10 members of Excise Department for three days round-the-clock, he said.

Asked about the clippings being shown repeatedly on television channels, he said the clippings shown on the television might not be from the Island. “The authenticity of the clippings is questionable”, he said.

“The proceedings of the festival were not videographed. But we would ask the clippings from the media. We will check the authenticity of the clippings. We will question the organisers of the festival and blacklist them and take action against them if they are found guilty,” he said.

“Next year, if at all such a festival is held, it will not be like this. We will promote Indian bands”, Mr. Reju said.

Meanwhile, members of the Udupi Zilla Nagarika Samiti staged a protest against the use of drugs, free flow of alcohol, and alleged obscenities during the “Island Festival” at the Car Street here. The samiti took out a procession from the Kanakadasa Road, which culminated at the Car Street.

Samiti general secretary Nithyananda Volakadu said that in the name of promoting tourism, obscenities had been promoted at the festival. The Government should take action against the Deputy Commissioner for allowing such a festival.