A Dalit woman was humiliated, detained and labelled as a call girl by the security staff of Karnataka CM as she tried to force her way into Siddaramaiah's monthly public grievance meeting - Janta Darshan.

Savitha, a mother of two, told reporters that she had gone to meet the CM on May 17 to seek his intervention over a dispute concerning her house. However, the security officials at Siddaramaiah's house didn't let her in.

She was made to wait for the entire day on the road outside the CM residence. The security people did not agree to even pass on her memorandum to the CM's office following which she raised her voice against them.



"They took offence... bundled me into a jeep and took me to the police high grounds. They humiliated me and called me a callgirl. It was extremely embarrassing... it happened infront of everyone," the woman broke into tears while narrating her ordeal to the media.

"I was just seeking my rights. I never knew that I would have to face such a situation in my life," she added.

The cops reportedly kept Savitha in the police station till 9 pm and later sent her to the government remand home. She was allowed to go home the next day only after her husband intervened.

Savitha threatened suicide: Police

Bengaluru City Police Commissioner NS Megharikh, however, has dismissed the charges.

"We had to take her to into custody, as she threatened to commit suicide in front of the CM's residence. The allegations that the police misbehaved with her are baseless. We treated her like any other visitor. We have video recording to prove that these charges against the police are untrue," Megharikh said.

Politics over the incident

Former CM and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy sought a detailed probe into the incident.

"This is disgusting ...on one side Siddaramaiah claims to be a leader of the Dalits and the oppressed classes and on another, his staff is stooping to this level. They humiliated a Dalit woman," Kumaraswamy said.

"The law and order situation has worsened in the state and Siddaramaiah can't remain in denial, he should face the reality," he added.

