CM denies music festival turned into rave party

Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda on Monday strongly denied allegations that the three-day international festival of music and folklore organised at St Mary’s Island off Malpe coast from February 3, had turned into a rave party.

“The deputy commissioner of the district said that there was nothing obscene or vulgar about the festival. It was organised to promote tourism along the coastal region of the State,” he told reporters.

The government has been making efforts to promote tourism along the State’s coastline. While doing so, the government will ensure that public decency is maintained, he said, adding that he had directed the Deputy Commissioner to take immediate steps to stop such activities. The event had triggered a controversy with a section of people alleging that the event had turned into a rave party.