Cubbon Reads' Secret Santa event disrupted by Cubbon Park authorities over permission issues
Bengaluru: The ‘Secret Santa’ event organised by the silent reading group Cubbon Reads in Bengaluru’s Cubbon Park was abruptly halted on Saturday afternoon after park authorities confiscated a large number of books and detained event curators. The disruption occurred when the event attracted a significantly larger crowd than the organisers had anticipated.
The Secret Santa event involved attendees bringing wrapped books, which were then randomly re-distributed based on a numbered chit. Following the confiscation, the group took to social media to express their frustration, saying, “We really hope they give the books back as it was merely a gift… we were not doing it for any commercial reason.”
While the authorities claim that over 1,000 people attended, the group maintains that the turnout was around 500, acknowledging that they had not expected such a big turnout.
Kusuma G, Deputy Director of Horticulture at Cubbon Park, told Deccan Herald that any gathering of more than 20 people at the park requires prior permission from the department, which Cubbon Reads had not obtained. She explained that to hold events, a fee of Rs 30,000 and a security deposit of Rs 20,000 are required, regardless of whether the event is free or non-commercial. She further clarified that while events like marathons, walkathons, yoga sessions, and book readings are permitted, religious activities are not allowed in the park.
In a another statement, Cubbon Reads alleged that the curators were detained for two hours and had to contact senior officials to leave along with the confiscated books. The group claimed they were also required to write an apology letter. They accused Cubbon Park authorities of threatening their curators' careers and demeaning those who did not speak Kannada. Additionally, the group was allegedly threatened with an FIR and a fine of Rs 35,000.
One of the event curators told DH that they were asked to unwrap a book, as the authorities suspected it contained unlawful things. The curator suggested that the issue seemed to stem from a broader discomfort with young people, rather than the event itself.
Another curator claimed that the authorities’ tone and behaviour changed after a lawyer intervened and contacted a top-level officer. The confiscated books were eventually returned.
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Minister Parameshwara says remarks on properties linked to drug peddlers 'misunderstood'
Tumakuru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday said his recent remarks on the demolition of properties linked to those involved in narcotics trade were "misunderstood and misinterpreted".
His clarification follows remarks made two days ago on the government's uncompromising crackdown on the drug menace, including action against properties linked to foreign nationals allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
"It is unfortunate. It is taken in the wrong sense. I didn't mean that tomorrow itself I am going to send bulldozers and demolish the houses. That was not my intention. It was wrongly taken," he told reporters here.
Responding to Congress MLC K Abdul Jabbar's question in the legislative council on the growing drug menace in Bengaluru, Davangere and coastal districts, the minister on Thursday detailed the extensive enforcement measures initiated since the Congress government assumed office.
Pointing to the involvement of some foreign nationals, the minister had said, "Many foreign students from African countries have come to Karnataka. They are into the drug business. We catch them and register cases against them, but they want the case to be registered because once the case is registered, we cannot deport them."
"We have gone to the extent of demolishing the rented building where they stay," he had said.
