Shocking Incident in Hubballi: BJP Woman Worker Assaulted by Police Amid Voter Dispute
Allegations of Police Brutality in Karnataka
Hubballi: A disturbing incident involving the alleged assault and humiliation of a BJP woman worker by police has emerged from Hubballi, Karnataka. This incident reportedly stems from a conflict related to a voter revision initiative, and a video capturing the event surfaced on Wednesday, raising widespread outrage.
The footage purportedly depicts male officers physically assaulting the woman while using inappropriate language.
The altercation took place within the jurisdiction of the Keshvapur police station. Reports indicate that the victim, identified as Sujatha Handi, also known as Vijayalaxmi Handi, was allegedly attacked following a complaint made against her by Congress corporator Suvarna Kallakuntla.
Sujatha Handi is said to have been targeted after she participated in voter mapping as part of the voter list revision process. It is claimed that the Congress corporator was incensed by this and subsequently filed a complaint at the Keshvapur police station.
During the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list, tensions reportedly escalated when Sujatha Handi accompanied election officials. Supporters of the Congress corporator allegedly disrupted the process by referencing a previous case.
Suvarna Kallakuntla accused Sujatha Handi of manipulating SIR-BLO officials to remove voters' names from the list. Prior to this incident, there had been confrontations between BJP and Congress members over similar allegations.
It is now alleged that, in light of this issue, a complaint was lodged against Sujatha Handi, prompting police to attempt her arrest. During this operation, the police reportedly resorted to excessive force. The video shows a male officer gripping the shoulder of the BJP worker while she appears to be undressed.
In response to the incident, BJP MLA Mahesh Tenginakayi condemned the actions as inhumane and an affront to women. He called for the suspension of all officers involved, expressing concern that they could pose a future threat.
Tenginakayi noted that the conflict began when Booth Level Officers (BLOs) initiated voter mapping in the area, which led to escalating tensions.
He raised questions about the law and order situation, stating he had visited the victim's home and alleged that the Congress corporator had intruded and caused a disturbance. He mentioned that three FIRs had initially been filed against the BJP worker, while police now claim there are eight cases against her. "Who is behind these complaints?" he questioned.
He urged Home Minister G. Parameshwara to take action and indicated that the matter would be discussed with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra.
In the meantime, police have claimed that the BJP worker disrobed herself. However, the victim asserts that the police acted violently while responding to a complaint from a Congress corporator regarding the voter revision issue.
An official statement from the police regarding this incident is still pending, and further information is awaited.