The Truth Behind the ‘Disrobing’ Allegations

New Delhi, January 8, 2026: A massive political and social media firestorm has erupted in Hubballi, Karnataka, following the arrest of a local woman worker. On January 5, 2026, a team from the Keshwapur Police Station arrived at the residence of Sujatha Handi, a political activist, to take her into custody regarding a clash that occurred during a voter mapping exercise. The situation rapidly escalated into “high drama” after a video emerged showing the woman in a state of undress while being handled by security personnel, leading to grave allegations of custodial assault and public disrobing.

Allegations of Custodial Brutality

The incident was immediately labeled as a “gross violation of human rights” by several political leaders, who alleged that Sujatha was stripped and assaulted by the police during her detention. It was claimed by supporters that her clothes were torn while she was being bundled into a police vehicle at the behest of local political rivals. These accusations triggered widespread protests across the city, with demands being made for the immediate suspension of the officers involved. The viral visuals of the woman being surrounded by both male and female personnel added fuel to the public outrage.

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Police Refute the ‘Disrobing’ Claims

In a detailed briefing on January 7, 2026, Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar categorically rejected the allegations of police high-handedness. It was stated by the Commissioner that Sujatha Handi, who reportedly has a history of multiple criminal cases, had violently resisted arrest. According to the official version, she removed her own clothes inside the police van in a bid to create “public nuisance” and evade detention. It was further clarified that the women constables present at the scene actually sought help from local residents to find clothes to cover her after she stripped herself.

Reports of Assault on Police Personnel

The drama was not limited to the allegations of disrobing, as several police personnel reportedly sustained injuries during the scuffle. It was shared by the department that Sujatha had allegedly bitten four women constables, including two sub-inspectors, on their stomachs and limbs during the arrest. Furthermore, it was alleged by the police that she kicked male officers and attempted to snatch their mobile phones to prevent them from recording the incident. Following the melee, she was remanded to judicial custody, while fresh FIRs were registered for obstructing public servants and assault.

A Political Face-Off in Karnataka

The incident has now transformed into a major point of contention between the ruling and opposition parties in the state. While some leaders have accused the police of acting like “political agents,” the state government has maintained that the law was followed and that the evidence points toward the woman’s own actions causing the scene. As of January 8, 2026, a thorough inquiry has been ordered by the Deputy Commissioner of Police to verify the exact sequence of events captured in the various viral videos. The case remains a stark example of the complexities faced by law enforcement during high-stakes political arrests.