Playwright Addanda Cariappa Allegedly Assaulted in Bengaluru

Playwright and theatre director Addanda Cariappa was allegedly assaulted and had ink smeared on his face during a performance in Bengaluru, prompting complaints from both sides and a police investigation. The confrontation occurred at Suchitra Cinema and Cultural Academy in Banashankari during a staging of a play about Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, organised by Kodagu Rangabhoomi Trust. People at the venue objected to the production’s portrayal of Gandhi, according to accounts of the incident. The precise sequence of events and who was responsible for the alleged assault have not been established. Cariappa alleged in his complaint that opponents disrupted the performance, assaulted and threatened him, and smeared ink on his face. He also maintained that the production should be allowed to continue. One report said he intended to stage it through November 4, but the police have not announced any finding on the confrontation. A separate complaint, filed by a person identified as Kushal and other complainants, accused the play of misrepresenting Gandhi and the Congress’s role in Partition. They sought action against Cariappa and others involved in writing and performing the...