- Video shows clash between MLA’s daughter Aishwarya and PSI Savitha Patil at Srirangapatna temple
- The incident occurred on August 12 during Bhima Amavasya over the sanctum sanctorum entry dispute
- Aishwarya slapped PSI Patil, who hit her back
Video footage has emerged of the clash between a police sub-inspector and the daughter of an MLA at a temple in Srirangapatna, days after the incident first came to light.
The footage shows Aishwarya, daughter of Tumakuru Rural MLA B Suresh Gowda, in a heated exchange with PSI Savitha B Patil at the Aarti Ukkada temple. At one point, Aishwarya appears to make a phone call.
As the argument continues, she slaps the officer, who then strikes her back. Other people at the scene step in to calm things down.
The incident took place on 12 August at 8.15 pm, during Bhima Amavasya celebrations at the temple, and centred on a dispute over entry into the temple's sanctum sanctorum.
Savitha Patil, a sub-inspector attached to the Mandya Women's Police Station, later filed a complaint at Kyathanahalli Police Station over the incident. There have also been allegations that a counter-complaint was not accepted by police.
Aishwarya arrived at the temple for darshan and objected when she was not allowed in straightaway. The complaint states that she verbally abused the officer, slapped her, and obstructed her from carrying out her duties.
MLA B Suresh Gowda has apologised over the incident, while also saying the police officer had verbally abused his daughter.
"My daughter had visited the temple. She had requested to visit the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The police refused to allow her inside, while a circle inspector was allowed in. My daughter again requested them to allow her inside. Then she (police officer) abused my daughter, it seems. Then the fight started. I have not seen the video of my daughter slapping the officer. I apologise, I am sorry for it," Gowda said.
