K’taka BJP MLA MP Kumaraswamy accused of slapping Hoysala cop; MLA denies allegations

Bengaluru: Mudigere BJP legislator MP Kumaraswamy on Thursday was involved in an altercation with an on-duty police constable at the Legislators Home near Vidhana Soudha. The MLA was also accused of slapping the police constable.

Kumaraswamy claims that he was stopped by a constable as he didn’t recognize the MLA in the portico of the Legislators house building.

Narrating the incident, he said, ” I went to a hotel for dinner on Thursday and it was around 10.30 pm when I returned to the Legislators Home. There was a Hoysala patrol car parked near the portico blocking my way. I honked, but no one stepped out from the police car. I got out and asked him the move the car. I guess he did not recognize me and called for backup. He accused me of obstructing his duty.”

“The constable then tried to take my photo. I snatched his phone. He then held my hand and the police personnel who arrived there apologized to me. I guess he was drunk, Later, the constable too apologized to me and I said he should say sorry to the police department. This is what happened. Let the department take care of the issue,” he added.

Home Minister Araga Jnanendra on Friday sought a report on this incident.