Karnataka: Video shows MLA's daughter slapping woman police officer at temple; FIR filed

A video that appears to show Aishwarya, daughter of Karnataka's Tumkur Rural MLA Suresh Gowda, slapping a woman police officer at a temple in Srirangapatna taluk, Mandya district, has gone viral on social media. The incident occurred on August 12 during Bhimana Amavasya rituals at the Aarti Ukkada Temple.

The footage, believed to be from a CCTV camera, shows Aishwarya striking Police Sub-Inspector Savitha B. Patil, who is standing near her. The officer is seen retaliating immediately, after which bystanders step in to separate the two women.

The altercation is said to have begun when Aishwarya attempted to enter the temple's sanctum sanctorum, and Ms. Patil, who was on duty, blocked her entry. A verbal argument escalated into a physical exchange, according to witnesses.

Ms. Patil, attached to the Mandya Women's Police Station, filed a complaint at the Kyathanahalli police station in Srirangapatna. Based on her complaint, an FIR has been registered against Aishwarya under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS). Police officials confirmed that a counter-complaint from Aishwarya has also been received but is yet to be registered, and it is being scrutinised.

In her complaint, Ms. Patil alleged that Aishwarya used abusive language and slapped her while she was performing her official duties. Aishwarya, who is married to a police officer, has denied the allegations in her counter-complaint, sources said.

The Aarti Ukkada Temple is a prominent shrine in Srirangapatna, and special arrangements, including additional police deployment, were made for the Bhimana Amavasya rituals. Such festivals often attract large numbers of devotees, and security personnel are stationed to manage crowds and ensure orderly darshan.

The viral video has led to widespread criticism on social media, with many users questioning the behaviour of the MLA's daughter and demanding a thorough investigation. Some have also noted that the police officer's response, though captured on camera, would be examined in the context of self-defence and duty. The video has been circulated widely on platforms such as WhatsApp and X, with mixed reactions from the public.

Police have not arrested anyone in connection with the case. A senior police officer said the investigation is ongoing and that all evidence, including the CCTV footage and statements of witnesses, would be considered before taking further action.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita, which replaced the Indian Penal Code, contains provisions related to assault and criminal force against public servants. The specific sections invoked in this case have not been disclosed by the police.

The incident has also brought attention to the challenges faced by women police personnel in the line of duty and the conduct of relatives of public representatives. It remains to be seen how the investigation unfolds in the coming days.