Viral Assault: BJP Leader’s Son Thrashes Toll Staff in Karnataka

A shocking incident has surfaced from Karnataka, where the son of a prominent BJP leader and MLA candidate was allegedly caught on camera assaulting a toll booth employee after being asked to pay the mandatory fee. The video of the incident has rapidly gone viral across social media platforms, triggering widespread outrage over the blatant display of power and VIP culture.

Incident Details and Escalation

The key accused in the assault is identified as Samarthgouda Patil, the son of BJP leader Vijugowda Patil, who has contested from the Baleshwar constituency. The incident reportedly took place at the Kannoli toll plaza on the Vijayapura-Sindagi route.

According to reports and the purported CCTV footage, Samarthgouda, who was traveling in an SUV, was halted at the toll booth. When the staff member, identified as Sangappa, requested the toll fee, Samarthgouda allegedly responded by identifying himself as “Vijugouda Patil’s son.” The situation escalated quickly when the employee, perhaps not recognizing the name or simply performing his duty, reportedly asked, “Which Vijugouda?”This query appears to have instantly angered the political leader’s son. The video allegedly captures Samarthgouda, along with companions, then entering the toll booth and physically assaulting and verbally abusing the employee, Sangappa. Other toll plaza staff quickly intervened to stop the attack. The injured employee was later taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Public and Police Response

The swift circulation of the CCTV footage on social media brought the incident into the public eye, drawing fierce criticism against the entitlement often associated with those connected to political power. Many social media users condemned the attack and called for immediate and strict legal action.

Despite the compelling video evidence, initial reports from the police indicated that no official complaint had been registered by the toll staff regarding the incident. However, authorities have stated that action will be taken promptly if a formal complaint is lodged. This lack of an immediate official complaint, which sometimes happens in cases involving powerful individuals, has also added to the public conversation surrounding the potential pressure on the victims.

The footage serves as a stark reminder of recurring instances across the country where individuals with political connections believe they are above the law and entitled to bypass rules, leading to public confrontations and violence against service personnel simply doing their job.