MANDYA: The daughter of Tumakuru Rural BJP MLA B. Suresh Gowda, who had come to the Aarathi Ukkada temple in Srirangapatna taluk, on Bhimana Amavasya day, slapped a woman police sub-Inspector who was on duty for the protection of devotees, and showed arrogance. The accused Aishwarya has been booked for assault and obstructing a police officer from discharging their duty.
Since it was the special day of Bhima Amavasya, thousands of devotees had come to the Aarathi Ukkada temple. The MLA’s daughter Aishwarya used her influence and entered the temple through the VIP route. When she tried to go straight to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, PSI Savitha, who was on duty, stopped her from going inside for security reasons as there was a heavy crowd of devotees.
At this point, seeing Circle Inspector Lakshmi, who was in plainclothes for duty, enter, Aishwarya started arguing with the PSI asking, “Why did you let her in, why aren’t you letting me?” Even though PSI Savitha calmly explained that she is a circle inspector on duty, the MLA’s daughter did not accept it. As the argument escalated, she slapped the PSI on the cheek in front of hundreds of devotees.
A case has now been registered against Aishwarya at Kyathanahalli police station on charges of assaulting a police officer on duty and disturbing public peace. Meanwhile, as the case took a serious turn, MLA B. Suresh Gowda responded. “My daughter had gone to the temple with two children. When the Sub Inspector did not allow her inside, an argument ensued and she may have lost patience. There is always a reaction to an action. But those of us in public life should not behave like this. If my daughter is at fault, I will apologise publicly,” the MLA clarified.
Even though the MLA apologised on behalf of his daughter, locals have demanded strict legal action against this VIP arrogance toward a woman officer in uniform, and police have taken up further investigation.
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