'BJP Woman Removed Clothes Inside Police Van’: Police Reject Stripping Allegation In Hubballi, Watch

In the latest development in Karnataka's Hubballi where a BJP woman claimed that she was stripped and assaulted by the police during her arrest. The woman, identified as Sujatha, also known as Vijayalakshmi Handi, alleged that the incident took place when she was detained by officers from the Keshwapur police station.

A video linked to the case has gone viral on social media, showing male and female police officers surrounding her on a bus. The visuals have sparked outrage and political debate, with several BJP leaders demanding action against the police. According to Sujatha's complaint, her arrest and the alleged assault were part of an ongoing political rivalry between BJP and Congress workers in the area.

#WATCH | Karnataka: Hubballi-Dharwad CP N Shashikumar says, "On 1st January, there was a survey by the local competent authorities and while the survey team went to Chalukya Nagar in Keshwapur police station limits, there was some difference of opinion and there was some quarrel… pic.twitter.com/3BjAvwuuQ8

— ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2026

The dispute reportedly began during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in the Keshwapur Rana locality. Congress corporator Suvarna Kalkuntla had earlier accused Sujatha of bringing election officials to the area and helping to delete certain voter names. Based on this complaint, the police arrested Sujatha, which later led to the confrontation now under investigation.

Police Reject Allegations, Cite Resistance During Arrest

However, the Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner, N. Shashikumar, dismissed the allegations, calling them false and misleading. He stated that Sujatha was arrested in connection with an attempt-to-murder case filed by a local resident who accused her of a violent attack.

#WATCH | Karnataka: Hubballi-Dharwad CP N Shashikumar says, "... On 5th January, one lady was taken into custody. She was arrested in one of the cases lodged by one of the locals in an attempt to murder case, where she had brutally attacked the other person. In that case, she was… https://t.co/fY9dz4LpHE pic.twitter.com/A83E8sn1g2

— ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2026

Commissioner Shashikumar said that when police tried to arrest her, Sujatha resisted and assaulted several officers. During the scuffle, she allegedly bit a sub-inspector and injured a few others. The Commissioner further explained that when Sujatha was being taken to the police vehicle, she removed her clothes on her own and threw them away. Women police officers, he added, immediately covered her and helped her put her clothes back on.

According to the police, Sujatha has nine cases registered against her, including several from previous years. They also warned that sharing the video of the incident online is an offence, and a case will be filed against anyone circulating it.

Political Reactions and Inquiry Ordered

The BJP strongly condemned the police action, calling it "inhuman" and "politically motivated." Party leaders demanded that the officers involved be suspended and that a fair investigation be conducted.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Shashikumar has ordered a detailed internal inquiry into the matter and instructed senior officials to submit a full report. He also urged the public not to spread the video, emphasizing that the matter is under investigation and legal steps will be taken based on the findings.

The incident has highlighted growing political tensions in Hubballi, with both parties accusing each other of misuse of power and intimidation ahead of key electoral exercises.