A tragic truck accident during a Ganesh immersion procession in Karnataka’s Hassan district has sparked a wave of misinformation online. Social media posts claimed the driver was a Muslim man named Mohammad Feroz, framing the incident as a communal attack. However, police confirmed to Newschecker that the viral claim is false, saying fake news is being spread regarding the religious identity of the accused.
.The archived version of the post can be seen here.
What Happened in Hassan?
On September 12, 2025, a tragic accident took place in Karnataka’s Hassan district when a truck rammed into a Ganesh immersion procession. At least nine people were killed and more than 20 others were injured.
Evidence: Who Is the Accused Driver?
Media Reports Confirm the Driver’s Identity
- A report by The Indian Express (September 13, 2025) stated that police arrested the driver, identified as Bhuvanesh, a resident of Kattebelaguli village in Holenarasipur taluk.
- Local news outlet Vartha Bharati also confirmed the accused’s name and identity as Bhuvanesh.
Police Statement on the Incident
Hassan Superintendent of Police (SP) Sujeetha MS briefed the media, confirming: “The accused is driver Bhuvanesh. The scene of the accident is being subjected to forensic examination to determine if there were mechanical failures or other factors involved.”
FIR Verification And SP Clarification
Newschecker accessed the official FIR, which clearly lists the accused as Bhuvanesh. We then reached out to Mohammed Sujeetha MS, IPS, Hassan SP, who debunked the viral claim, saying, “Fake news is being widely spread with regard to the communal identity of the accused. It is clearly established that the driver is Bhunanesh of Kattebilaguli village, Holenarasipura taluk, Hassan. He is injured and undergoing treatment. An FIR has been registered against him.”
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Verdict
The viral claim blaming a man named “Mohammad Feroz” for the Hassan Ganesh procession accident is false.
FAQs
Q1. Who is the accused in the Hassan Ganesh procession truck accident?
The accused has been identified as Bhuvanesh, from Kattebelaguli village, Hassan.
Q2. Was the Hassan accident a deliberate attack?
Police have registered a case of accidental death. Investigations are ongoing to check for mechanical failures or negligence.
Q3. Did a man named Mohammad Feroz drive the truck?
No. The claim is false. Officials and the FIR confirm the driver was Bhuvanesh, not “Mohammad Feroz.”
Q4. How many people were killed in the Hassan accident?
At least eight people were killed and over 20 others were injured in the incident.
Q5. Why is the claim about ‘Mohammad Feroz’ being spread?
The false claim appears to be an attempt to give the tragedy a communal angle, which police have debunked.
Sources
The Indian Express report, September 13, 2025
Vartha Bharati report, September 13, 2025
Conversation with Hassan SP Sujeetha MS
Copy of FIR
IANS, X Post, September 13, 2025
(with inputs from Ishwarachandra BG , Newschecker Kannada)
