A late-night altercation in Chitradurga turned violent as PSI Gadilingappa and Madhugiri BJP president Hanumanthegowda exchanged blows outside a hotel near the RTO office around midnight on Saturday.
The scuffle began when Gadilingappa, on patrol duty, questioned a group of people standing outside the hotel. Addressing them in the singular, he reportedly asked what they were doing so late. Among them was Hanumanthegowda, who objected to the officer’s tone and introduced himself as the BJP unit president. A verbal spat quickly escalated into a physical fight.
Bystanders and hotel staff intervened to break up the altercation. The town police arrived shortly after and arrested Hanumanthegowda, who was accused of obstructing a public servant. Meanwhile, Gadilingappa sustained injuries to his fingers and was admitted to the district hospital.
In response, Hanumanthegowda filed a counter-complaint, alleging police misconduct. He later experienced chest pain and was moved to the ICU for treatment.
The incident has sparked political tension, with BJP leaders, including MP Govind M Karjol and MLC K S Naveen, meeting the Superintendent of Police (SP) to demand an FIR against PSI Gadilingappa.
BJP state president B Y Vijayendra weighed in on social media, criticizing the law-and-order situation under the Congress government and accusing police officers of misconduct.
Read Also: