BJP Legislators Daughter Accused of Assaulting Police Officer at Temple

Bengaluru, August 15: A woman police sub-inspector (PSI) has accused the daughter of Karnataka BJP legislator B. Suresh Gowda of assault during a temple duty on the occasion of Bheem Amavasya.

The incident occurred on Wednesday at the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Arathi Ukkada, Mandya district, where thousands of devotees had gathered.

According to the complaint, legislator’s daughter Aishwarya attempted to enter the sanctum sanctorum through the VIP queue. She was stopped by PSI Savita B. Patil, who informed her that the temple was overcrowded and she could not enter at that moment. Meanwhile, Circle Inspector Lakshmi, who was in civilian clothes, proceeded towards the sanctum.

Aishwarya questioned why the Circle Inspector was allowed inside. Savita explained that Lakshmi was on official duty. This led to a heated argument, during which Aishwarya allegedly slapped Savita.

Following the incident, Savita filed a complaint, prompting the Kyanthanahalli police to register a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 132, 115(2), 352, and 351(2). An investigation is currently underway.

Aishwarya is also the wife of Mandya’s Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Gautam. Responding to the incident, B. Suresh Gowda apologized for his daughter’s alleged behavior. He stated that he had advised her to exercise restraint in public life.

“This incident occurred at an unfortunate time. I apologize for my daughter’s actions. An FIR has been filed, and I will take note of it,” he said.

The legislator claimed that the police did not accept his daughter’s complaint. He has requested a departmental inquiry, bringing the matter to the attention of the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG & IGP).

He added, “If my daughter is at fault, appropriate action should be taken.”

Suresh Gowda also criticized the VIP darshan system at temples, stating that it causes inconvenience to ordinary devotees and puts additional pressure on the police. “In my opinion, the VIP darshan system should be abolished. Everyone should have equal access to worship and stand in line, which would also reduce pressure on the police.”

He acknowledged that his daughter’s alleged behavior was inappropriate, saying, “I apologize on her behalf. As public representatives, we must conduct ourselves with dignity in all public spaces. We should not display arrogance.”

He noted that she was accompanied by two children and should have exercised more patience. “She made a mistake, and I apologize for that.”