Bengaluru, Jan 7 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has called for the swift suspension of officials involved in the alleged assault and stripping of a BJP woman worker in Hubballi. A video apparently depicting the incident has circulated widely on social media, igniting significant outrage and controversy early Wednesday morning.

Addressing journalists at the BJP state headquarters, “Jagannath Bhavan” in Bengaluru, State BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra described the shocking occurrence in Hubballi, where a woman worker from the Dalit community was reportedly stripped and assaulted.

“If law and order is to be upheld in the state, and if the Home Minister holds any authority, he must promptly suspend the relevant officials,” Vijayendra insisted.

He stated that actions should be taken against all officials who allegedly assaulted and stripped the Dalit woman, acting under the orders of Congress leaders. Vijayendra characterized the incident as one that has brought disgrace upon the entire state.

In explaining the context of the incident, Vijayendra mentioned that during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) voter mapping process, when Block Level Officers (BLOs) conduct verifications, one Booth Level Agent (BLA-2) is allowed to accompany them. He alleged that Congress corporator Sunanda assaulted BJP workers and subsequently filed FIRs against them.

He claimed that police officials, without fully grasping the context of the case, acted on the assertions of Congress leaders, entering the residences of BJP workers and arresting them. The BJP strongly denounces such behavior, he asserted.

Vijayendra emphasized that the victim, Sujatha, is a Dalit woman, alleging that police stations in Karnataka have been transformed into extensions of the Congress party.

He accused the police of operating as agents of the Congress, stating that while Sujatha and her family were being taken into custody, she was allegedly stripped and assaulted. This act is vehemently condemned by the BJP, he added.

In response to questions regarding the increasing number of such incidents, including attacks on legislators, Vijayendra stated that the Congress government is acting arrogantly due to its majority of 140 MLAs in the Assembly. He noted that events in Ballari, Hubballi, and Bidar suggest that the Congress party’s “sins have accumulated,” leading to public frustration with the government. He warned that the populace would respond at the right moment.

Vijayendra remarked that the Home Minister appears powerless, and it is uncertain whether he is even aware of these developments. The people of the state are labeling him as incompetent, he asserted.

He urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who frequently reference Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, to refrain from politicizing the matter and to ensure justice for the Dalit woman. Regardless of political affiliations, a woman is a woman, and in this instance, she is also a Dalit, he emphasized.

He demanded that the Chief Minister take immediate action against what he referred to as “irresponsible” officials. Vijayendra further criticized Siddaramaiah for expressing “crocodile tears” for Dalits while boasting about surpassing former Chief Minister Devaraj Urs's record. He insisted that the Chief Minister must recognize the gravity of the situation developing in the state.

It is worth noting that the alleged assault and stripping of a BJP woman worker by police took place in Hubballi, Karnataka, reportedly linked to a dispute stemming from a voter revision initiative. A video of the incident emerged on Wednesday, eliciting shock and serious concern.

The video purportedly shows male police officers attacking the woman and using vulgar language.

The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Keshvapur police station in Hubballi. Sources indicate that BJP worker Sujatha Handi, also known as Vijayalaxmi Handi, was allegedly brutalized following a complaint lodged against her by Hubballi-Dharwad Congress corporator Suvarna Kallakuntla.

Sujatha Handi was reportedly targeted after participating in voter mapping as part of the voter list revision process. Allegedly incensed by her actions, the Congress corporator filed a complaint against her at the Keshvapur police station.

However, on Wednesday, the Karnataka Police dismissed the female BJP worker’s allegations that she was assaulted and stripped by police personnel during the voter revision dispute in Hubballi.

Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar responded to the allegations by stating that the woman “had stripped herself,” denying the accusation that police officers assaulted or stripped her.

Meanwhile, the State Women’s Commission has stated that the roles of both the complainant and the police must be investigated before any comments can be made regarding the case.