Pic: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Nov 25: Veteran Yakshagana Bhagavatha Patla Sathish Shetty will file a defamation case against Kalladi Deviprasad Shetty and his team for insulting him during the Yakshagana programme that was held at Car Street of Kateel temple premises on November 23.
Addressing media here on Monday, November 25, Patla Sathish Shetty said, "Devi Prasad Shetty has falsely alleged that they had informed me in advance not to do Bhagavathike and indiscipline is the reason behind keeping me out of Kateel mela. Harinarayana Asranna also supported him. They are hatching conspiracy to defame me.
“Devi Prasad Shetty even claimed in a press meet that people demand Patla Sathish Shetty to perform in the mela, which indicates that they have problem with my popularity. Whenever Kalladi Devi Prasad Shetty asked me to perform in any mela, I used to obey his decision. Once Devi Prasad Shetty asked me to stay away from Kateel mela and perform as a guest Bhagavatha in any of the melas. I have never gone against the decision of the temple management in the last 19 years of my service and there was not a single complaint against me so far.
"During the day the incident took place, I had informed some of the main bhagavathas about my visit. Everyone knew that I would come and perform as I was in touch with the other Bhagavathas during the day of the incident. All of a sudden, Devi Prasad Shetty asked me to leave the stage. I have not been informed orally or in written format that I was removed from the Kateel mela. This is a pre plannned and intentionally hatched conspiracy and the man behind the conspiracy is Supreeth Rai, a relative of Devi Prasad Shetty. I had no expectations or demands. An artiste should not be insulted in this manner. It is equal to death of the artiste.
“Even some of the artistes had complained to the deputy commissioner over the harassment faced at the hands of the management over salaries, on November 22 in the meeting that was conducted at Kateel.
"The court had also ordered the deputy commissioner to supervise the activities of Yakshagana mela and review the accounts of Mela every 15 days. If Devi Prasad took such a decision, in which I was asked to leave the Yakshagana performance stage, it is violation of court. Did they seek permission from the deputy commissioner? I have also brought this incident to the notice of deputy commissioner and superintendent of police. I am even ready for CBI enquiry in this case and also ready to face any debate in any state and national media,” he said.
When asked about his next step, Patla Sathish Shetty said, "I need to think and consult my seniors and take decision.”
When asked about high court's decision, Patla Sathish Shetty said, "When an artiste goes through such insults and harassment, I agree with the decision of the high court.”
When asked about temple management allegations of Patla favouring to auction the troupe, Patla Sathish Shetty said, "I deny such allegations and I am not at all involved in favouring the auction of the troupe.”