Bengaluru: Tension prevailed in the Kalasipalya area after a daily wage worker was allegedly assaulted by two unidentified youths for wearing a saffron shawl. The incident occurred late on August 24, when the victim, Surendra Kumar, employed with Royal Travels Company, was attacked near his workplace.
Worker assaulted, company staff intervenes
According to the police complaint, Surendra Kumar was at work around 9.30 pm when two youths approached him and began abusing him in foul language. They allegedly questioned him, asking, “Why are you wearing a saffron towel?” before pushing him.
When Harikrishna, the company in-charge who has been with Royal Travels for about 15 years, attempted to intervene, he too was allegedly assaulted. The assailants reportedly tore his shirt, abused him, and shouted, “Why is your worker wearing a saffron towel? Make him remove it.”
One of the attackers identified himself as Babu before both fled the spot.
Complaint and police action
Initially, a non-cognisable report (NCR) was filed at the Kalasipalya Police Station on August 24. However, after a video of the incident began circulating and Hindu organisations intervened, the report was converted into a First Information Report (FIR).
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) West, Girish, confirmed the arrests, stating, “An FIR has been registered and strict legal action will be taken against the offenders. Kalasipalya Police have arrested three persons in connection with the case.”
Victim’s statement
The complainant noted that while he was assaulted, he did not require hospitalisation. In his statement, he requested police to trace the assailants, bring them to the station, and warn them so that such incidents do not recur.
Conclusion
The incident has heightened tensions in the locality and raised concerns about communal sensitivity in the city. Police have assured strict action and are conducting further investigation to establish the exact sequence of events.