Claims of Deliberate Attack on Ganesh Procession in Hassan, Karnataka, Debunked by Police
Hassan, Karnataka – September 13, 2025 – Claims circulating online alleging a Muslim driver intentionally rammed a truck into a Ganesh procession in Hassan, Karnataka, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries, have been definitively refuted by local police. The hassan superintendent of Police, Mohammad Sujeetha, IPS, directly addressed and debunked the misinformation spreading on social media.
The incident, which occurred earlier today, left nine people dead and approximately 18-20 injured. Initial reports fueled speculation about the driver’s religious identity and intent, with some users falsely claiming the driver was a Muslim man named Mohammad Firoz. However, Sujeetha clarified via her official X (formerly Twitter) account that the driver is Bhunanesh, a resident of Kattebilaguli village, Holenarasipura taluk, Hassan. She confirmed he is injured and currently undergoing medical treatment, and a First Data Report (FIR) has been registered against him.
“Fake news is being widely spread with regard to the communal identity of the accused. It is indeed clearly established that the driver is Bhunanesh of Kattebilaguli village, Holenarasipura taluk, Hassan. He is injured & undergoing treatment. A FIR has been registered on him,” Sujeetha wrote on X.
In a statement to media outlets, as reported by IANS, Sujeetha further identified the accused as driver Bhuvanesh and detailed the extent of the injuries and fatalities. The incident is currently under investigation, but authorities have stressed that claims of a communal motive are false and baseless.
