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Karnataka BJP MLA’s daughter booked for slapping woman police sub-inspector after spat over skipping temple queue
The FIR was registered at the Kyathanahalli police station on a complaint by PSI Savitha, who was deployed at the temple during the Bhima Amavasya rush.
A case was registered against Aishwarya, daughter of Tumakuru Rural MLA B Suresh Gowda, after she allegedly abused and slapped a woman police sub-inspector (PSI) during crowd control at the Arathi Ukkada temple in Srirangapatna taluk of Karnataka’s Mandya district on Wednesday, police said.
The FIR was registered at the Kyathanahalli police station on a complaint by PSI Savitha, who was deployed at the temple during the Bhima Amavasya rush.
Police booked Aishwarya under Sections 132, 115(2), 352 and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Srirangapatna circle inspector B G Kumar said. The provisions relate to deterring a public servant from discharging official duty, voluntarily causing hurt, intentional insult intended to provoke a breach of peace and criminal intimidation.
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What happened?
According to Savitha’s complaint, thousands of devotees were at the temple and Aishwarya sought to enter the sanctum sanctorum. The PSI asked her to wait because allowing her to move ahead of devotees in the queue could trigger protests.
Aishwarya reportedly questioned Savitha about why circle inspector Lakshmi, who was wearing civilian clothes, was permitted to go towards the sanctum. Savitha told her that Lakshmi was the circle inspector and was at the temple on duty, according to the complaint.
The exchange turned into an argument, with Aishwarya allegedly using offensive language against Savitha before slapping her in front of the crowd.
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Gowda's statement
Suresh Gowda later apologised publicly for his daughter’s conduct, adding that he did not have complete information about the incident.
“My daughter had gone to the temple with two small children. While she was standing in the VIP queue, the sub inspector on duty allegedly did not allow her to proceed but allowed others to enter. There will naturally be a reaction to an action. One thing led to another and the unfortunate incident occurred,” he said.
“If my daughter is at fault, I am ready to apologise publicly. She may have lost her temper at that moment, but those of us in public life should not behave in this manner. Therefore, I publicly apologise for my daughter’s conduct,” he added.
