In Davanagere, Karnataka, a political controversy is brewing after BJP MLA B.P. Harish made a controversial comment about the district’s Superintendent of Police, Uma Prashanth. The police have now summoned Harish for questioning over his remark, which many are calling offensive and inappropriate.
The police had asked Harish to appear on Thursday morning. However, he did not show up, prompting officials to plan another notice for him to visit the station either on Friday or Saturday. A team of police was even sent to his home near Visvesvaraya Park, but since Harish was in Bengaluru at the time, they spoke with his family and reminded him to cooperate with the investigation.
Harish is reportedly trying to get anticipatory bail before he answers the police’s questions. This case has attracted a lot of attention on social media, with many women’s organizations strongly condemning his remarks and calling for protests.
The controversy began when Harish made offensive statements about SP Uma Prashanth during a recent event organized by the Reporters’ Guild in Davanagere. He accused her of acting like a “Pomeranian dog” for Congress leaders, especially targeting her behavior at events with prominent Congress figures like Shamanur Shivashankarappa and his family.
In his speech, Harish also said that the SP often ignored him at official functions and waited for MP Prabha Mallikarjun, a Congress leader, instead. He questioned the fairness of her behavior, claiming that as an MLA he should be treated equally. Harish suggested that the SP might think she’s protected by powerful people, but warned that such protection won’t last forever.
This statement has sparked anger and criticism across social media and among women’s groups, who see it as disrespectful and sexist. The police filed an FIR (First Information Report) against Harish on Wednesday, under sections that address insulting a woman officer and issuing threats. The complaint was made by SP Uma Prashanth herself at the KTJ Nagar police station in Davanagere.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between political leaders and officials in Karnataka. Many are calling for respect and decorum, especially when it comes to women officers, as the political debate continues to unfold.
