Bengaluru Mall Faces Police Complaint for Denying Entry to Farmer in Dhoti After 7-Day Closure

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A Bengaluru mall has been slapped with a police complaint and ordered to close for seven days following an incident where an elderly farmer was denied entry due to his traditional attire. The mall in question is GT Mall, located on Magadi Main Road.

The 70-year-old farmer, identified as Fakeerappa, was turned away from the mall on Tuesday evening because he was wearing a dhoti and a white shirt. Fakeerappa had intended to visit the mall to watch a movie with his son. The incident, which took place on July 16, has stirred significant public outrage and criticism.

According to reports, the mall’s security guard and the mall owner are named in the complaint for their discriminatory actions. The refusal has sparked a wave of condemnation from various sectors, including local farmer unions, politicians, and public figures.

Actress and model Gauahar Khan voiced her disapproval on Instagram, calling the incident “shameful” and urging for strict action against the mall. She emphasized the need to respect and uphold cultural traditions, stating, “This is absolutely shameful. Strict action must be taken against the mall. This is India and we all must be proud of our culture.”

In response to the backlash, a group of farmers and members of a pro-Kannada organization staged a protest in front of the mall. The incident has also drawn criticism from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has used the situation to attack the Congress-led Karnataka government.

Karnataka Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh addressed the issue in the state assembly, announcing that the government has decided to impose a seven-day closure on the mall as a punitive measure. “According to the law, the government can shut the mall for seven days. I spoke to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officers, and the mall will be closed for seven days as an action against the incident,” Suresh stated.

Sources By Agencies