A serious incident in Bengaluru's Kundalahalli area has raised questions about police conduct and public safety. A 21-year-old woman sustained grievous injuries after allegedly jumping from the fourth floor of a hotel in AECS Layout in the early hours of Sunday.
The Sequence of Events at the Hotel
The incident unfolded after a group of young men and women checked into three rooms on the hotel's fourth floor on Saturday. According to police, the group consumed alcohol, played loud music, and partied through the night. Their activities reportedly spilled onto a balcony, where they began shouting, prompting another guest to file a nuisance complaint.
In response, a Hoysala patrol vehicle from the HAL police station was dispatched to the location. Police personnel questioned the occupants of the rooms. Following standard procedure, the interaction was recorded using body-worn cameras. It was at this point that the young woman, identified as Monisha (name changed), emerged from one of the rooms.
Allegations and Denials Emerge
Police state that Monisha noticed the cameras, ran towards the balcony, and jumped. She landed on the iron grills of a neighbouring building's compound wall, suffering multiple injuries. With police assistance, her friends rushed her to a nearby private hospital in Marathahalli, where she is currently undergoing treatment.
However, a friend of the woman has presented a different account. He alleged that the police tried to enter the rooms, demanded a bribe in cash while refusing UPI payment, and that this demand created a panic which led to Monisha's drastic action.
The police have firmly denied these allegations. A senior officer clarified that videography is mandatory during Hoysala patrol responses. He stated that the body-camera footage would be verified and appropriate action taken if any wrongdoing is found.
Formal Complaint and Ongoing Investigation
In the aftermath, Monisha's father has filed a formal complaint. His allegations are threefold:
- Negligence by the hotel for failing to ensure balcony safety.
- Suspicion regarding the role of her friends and hotel staff.
- Questions about the conduct of the police personnel on the spot.
Based on this complaint, a case has been registered under BNS Section 125(b). Deputy Commissioner K Parashurama confirmed that a thorough investigation is currently underway to determine the exact circumstances that led to the tragic event.
The incident has sparked a debate on police procedures, the use of body cameras, and safety protocols in hospitality establishments. The community awaits the findings of the investigation, which will heavily rely on the official body-cam footage from the responding officers.
