A case of alleged assault on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker in Hubballi, Karnataka, has ignited a controversy over police procedures. The incident, which occurred on January 5, 2026, involves conflicting accounts from police officials and the family of the injured woman.
Police Version: A Routine Arrest Turns Violent
Injured Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Kalavati provided details of the police's actions on the day in question. According to her statement, the North Division Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) instructed a team to report to the Keshwapur Police Station. The team was acting on orders to arrest an individual named Sujata Handi.
PSI Kalavati stated that the team proceeded to carry out the arrest as directed. However, the situation escalated, leading to an altercation during which the BJP worker was injured. The police narrative suggests the use of force was a consequence of resistance encountered during the arrest operation.
Family's Account: Claims of Unprovoked Aggression
The mother of the injured BJP worker has presented a starkly different version of events. She alleges that a group of policemen arrived at their residence without clear explanation. When the family inquired about the reason for the visit, the situation quickly deteriorated.
"They dragged my daughter into the vehicle, and the inspector abused us," the victim's mother claimed. Her account paints a picture of an unprovoked and aggressive police action, where her daughter was forcibly taken and assaulted without being informed of any charges or reasons for the detention.
Fallout and Demands for Investigation
The contrasting narratives have led to significant political and public outcry in the region. The incident in Hubballi, Dharwad district, has raised serious questions about police conduct and protocol during arrest procedures. Key points of contention include:
- The circumstances that led to the alleged assault on the BJP party worker.
- The sequence of events as described by PSI Kalavati versus the victim's family.
- The nature of the orders received to arrest Sujata Handi and whether due process was followed.
Opposition parties and local BJP leaders are demanding a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident. Calls are growing for clarity on whether the use of force was justified or if it constituted an excess. The case has put the spotlight on law enforcement practices in the state, with demands for accountability and transparency gaining momentum.
