Karnataka MLA’s daughter slaps woman police at temple, altercation captured on CCTV
CCTV footage has surfaced showing an altercation between a police sub-inspector and the daughter of Tumakuru Rural BJP MLA B Suresh Gowda at a temple in Srirangapatna. The incident took place on August 12 during Bhima Amavasya celebrations but the CCTV footage released a few weeks later, has now gone viral on social media.
The footage shows Aishwarya, the MLA's daughter, arguing with PSI Savitha B Patil at Aarti Ukkada temple. Aishwarya is seen using her phone and trying to make a call during the argument. She then can be seen slapping Savitha. The PSI also hit back. People at the spot later intervene and separate the two.
The incident reportedly triggered a dispute over entry into the temple's inner sanctum. Savitha, who is from the Mandya Women's Police Station, was deployed at the temple for crowd-control duty.
According to her complaint, Aishwarya arrived at the temple with others and wanted to enter the sanctum without waiting in the queue. Savitha reportedly asked her to wait for a few minutes to avoid inconvenience to other devotees. Aishwarya then identified herself as the MLA's daughter and questioned why she was being stopped.
The argument escalated. Savitha accused Aishwarya of abusing and slapping her and threatening to affect her career.
Savitha later filed a complaint at Kyathanahalli police station. Police registered an FIR against Aishwarya under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The charges relate to allegedly assaulting a public servant, causing simple hurt, intentional insult and criminal intimidation.
Aishwarya has also filed a counter-complaint. She alleged that the police officer abused her. Police said they were examining the allegations.
MLA Suresh Gowda apologised for his daughter's conduct if she was found to have made a mistake. He said anyone found at fault should face action under the law.
Gowda said his daughter had gone to the temple with two young children. He said she had requested permission to enter briefly because waiting in the queue could have caused difficulty for the children.
The MLA also said his daughter should have shown restraint as a member of a political family. He called for a departmental inquiry into the incident. Gowda also opposed VIP arrangements at temples. He said all devotees should be treated equally and follow the same queue system. He said this would reduce inconvenience to the public and pressure on police personnel.
