Bengaluru Police Constables Face Case for Assaulting Airport Canteen Staff
In a disturbing incident that has sparked public outrage, a case has been registered against three police constables in Bengaluru for allegedly abusing and physically assaulting staff at an eatery located near the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). The assault, which occurred around midnight two days ago, forced the canteen to shut down for the night, with CCTV footage of the attack rapidly going viral on social media platforms.
Details of the Alleged Assault
The accused constables, identified as Gangaraju, Balappa, and Kumar, are attached to the KIA police station. According to a formal complaint filed by canteen manager Ajith JS, the incident unfolded between 12:30 AM and 1:00 AM on February 10. It primarily involved staff member Saifulla Dewan, aged 22. The trio, who were on routine patrol duty, visited the Alpha Building canteen at approximately 12:30 AM and requested two cups of coffee.
Dewan instructed the constables in Hindi to purchase tokens from the cash counter by paying in cash. This seemingly routine request allegedly provoked Gangaraju, who responded with abusive language and challenged the staff, daring them to ask for money from policemen. The situation escalated dramatically when, around 12:55 AM, Gangaraju reportedly punched Dewan in the face and shoulder, issuing threats against him.
Escalation and Forced Shutdown
When other canteen employees questioned the unprovoked assault, Gangaraju allegedly threatened them with dire consequences. Manager Ajith emphasized in his complaint that the canteen operates to serve airport staff working round-the-clock at subsidized prices. Upon being asked to follow the token purchase procedure, Gangaraju reportedly blamed the staff for keeping the canteen open after midnight and forcibly prevented them from continuing their work.
The constables are also accused of issuing death threats to two other staff members, Rajesh and Dilwar, who attempted to intervene during the assault. Ultimately, the officers allegedly caused significant operational losses by coercively shutting down the canteen for the remainder of the night. Following the attack, Dewan was transported to the government hospital in Devanahalli for necessary medical treatment.
Police Response and Investigation
The incident was brought to the attention of Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh on Wednesday. Commissioner Singh promptly instructed the jurisdictional police to register a formal case and initiate a thorough investigation into the matter. A senior police officer confirmed that a case has been registered, with a detailed report scheduled for submission to the Deputy Commissioner of Police's office by Friday for further disciplinary and legal action.
Interestingly, the officer noted that constable Kumar, who does not consume tea or coffee, merely accompanied Gangaraju and Balappa to the canteen and subsequently found himself entangled in the controversy. This detail adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation.
Past Allegations Against the Accused
Further scrutiny reveals that constable Gangaraju has faced previous allegations of misconduct during his tenure at the Ashok Nagar traffic police station and other postings. Historical records indicate that he was even suspended on earlier occasions, suggesting a pattern of behavior that is now under renewed examination following this latest incident.
The viral dissemination of CCTV footage has amplified public scrutiny, raising serious questions about police conduct and accountability. As the investigation progresses, authorities are under pressure to ensure transparency and appropriate action against the accused constables to restore public trust in law enforcement.
