BJP MLA's Daughter for Assaulting On-Duty Sub-Inspector at Srirangapatna Temple
MANDYA: Police in Mandya district have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Aishwarya, the daughter of Tumakuru Rural BJP MLA B. Suresh Gowda, following an physical altercation with a Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) during the Bhimana Amavasya festival at the Aarathi Ukkada Sri Basaveshwara Temple in Srirangapatna.
The incident occurred on July 24 during heavy crowd control operations managed by local law enforcement officers, including PSI Savitha B. Patil, to regulate the influx of devotees at the shrine.
According to police statements and eyewitness accounts, the confrontation began when Aishwarya attempted to enter the temple along with her entourage. Citing crowd management protocols and heavy queue lines, PSI Savitha B. Patil instructed her to wait in the queue alongside other devotees.
The instruction led to a heated verbal argument. Police allege that Aishwarya verbally abused the officer regarding her official authority before escalating the dispute physically:
- Initial Assault Allegation: The police complaint states that Aishwarya struck the PSI first during the argument over VIP entry access.
- Officer Response & Intervention: PSI Savitha retaliated before surrounding police personnel and temple bystanders intervened to separate both individuals.
- Public Apology: Following widespread media attention, MLA B. Suresh Gowda publicly apologized for the incident while calling for an impartial administrative inquiry.
Statutory FIR and Counter-Complaint Proceedings
Srirangapatna Town Police registered an FIR against Aishwarya based on a formal complaint filed by PSI Savitha. The case invokes key provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 governing public order and protection of public servants:
- Section 121, BNS: Voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from their duty.
- Section 132, BNS: Assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of duty.
- Section 221, BNS: Obstructing a public servant in discharge of public functions.
Concurrently, a counter-complaint was submitted on behalf of Aishwarya alleging police high-handedness, prompting senior district police authorities to initiate an internal inquiry to review CCTV footage and recorded statements.
"Law enforcement officers on festival duty are tasked with ensuring equal access and public safety. Any obstruction or physical assault against personnel executing lawful duties attracts strict statutory action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita."
The incident has intensified public debate across Karnataka concerning VIP privileges and administrative oversight at major religious sites. Citizen groups and police associations have highlighted the operational challenges faced by field officers balancing political pressure with crowd safety during high-density temple festivals.