'What Do You Eat?': Bengaluru Woman Traffic Cop Body-Shamed, Assaulted On Duty, 4 Booked

Bengaluru: A woman traffic Police Sub-Inspector was allegedly assaulted and verbally abused while performing her duty in Bengaluru’s K.R. Puram area. An FIR has been registered against four people in connection with the incident.

The incident took place on August 12 near Bhattarahalli Junction, where PSI Nayana was deployed for traffic management. According to the complaint, she noticed the accused arguing with traffic police constable Manjunath and went to the spot to intervene.

One of the accused, Hemanth Reddy, who allegedly identified himself as a lawyer, reportedly argued with the PSI and allegedly held and pulled her hand while she was on duty. The complaint further alleges that another accused, Rahul, was called to the spot and also allegedly manhandled the police officer, as per reports.

The woman officer has alleged that she was subjected to body-shaming and humiliating remarks, including, “You look like a buffalo, what do you eat?”. The complaint reportedly contains details of the abusive language used against her.

According to the FIR, Hemanth Reddy’s brother Harshith Reddy and father Radhakrishna Reddy later arrived at the spot. They allegedly abused and threatened the police officer. Hemanth Reddy is also accused of allegedly recording photographs and videos of the PSI and threatening to circulate them on social media and in the media.

Following the incident, PSI Nayana reportedly informed senior police officers and the police control room. She later visited K.R. Puram Government Hospital for treatment, citing injuries sustained during the alleged assault.

The FIR names Harshith Reddy, Hemanth Reddy, Rahul and Radhakrishna Reddy as accused. They have been booked for allegedly assaulting a police officer, obstructing her from performing her official duties, abusing and threatening her, among other offences, according to the police.

Police are investigating the allegations and examining available video footage of the incident. The allegations in the FIR have not been independently verified.