Hubballi (Karnataka): A female BJP worker in Hubballi, Karnataka, has accused police officers from the Keshwapur police station of stripping and assaulting her during her arrest. A video capturing the incident depicts the woman surrounded by both male and female police personnel on a bus, prompting significant outrage among BJP supporters. Images of her alleged mistreatment have circulated widely on social media, leading to an investigation by senior police officials. The woman was reportedly detained following a complaint lodged by Congress corporator Suvarna Kalkuntla, stemming from a rivalry between BJP and Congress workers during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in the Keshwapur Rana area. Notably, the woman is a former Congress member who recently switched allegiance to the BJP, and the conflict arose from accusations that she aided officials in removing certain voters’ names, which incited clashes between the two political factions.
In response to the allegations, the police have refuted claims of misconduct, asserting that proper procedures were adhered to during the arrest. Hubballi City Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar stated that the BJP leader had multiple cases against her. He explained that during her transfer to the police van, she began to undress voluntarily, despite the presence of eight female police officers, including a woman Police Sub-Inspector. According to the Commissioner, she removed all her clothing and discarded it, necessitating the police to provide her with a new set of clothes with assistance from local residents before completing the arrest formalities. The Commissioner is currently at the Keshwapur police station overseeing the investigation, as the incident continues to escalate political tensions in the region, with both parties lodging complaints against one another.
