In a troubling incident in Bengaluru, actor Harshika Poonacha and her husband Bhuvann Ponnannaa were allegedly attacked by a mob, raising concerns about safety and cultural biases in the city. The incident, which occurred near Fraser Town on April 2, saw the couple harassed for speaking in the local language, Kannada.
According to Poonacha’s detailed Instagram post accompanied by videos and photos of the alleged attackers, the couple was dining at Karama Restaurant when the altercation began. As they were leaving the valet parking, they were confronted by two men who objected to their vehicle’s size. This escalated into verbal abuse and threats, specifically targeting their Kannada-speaking identity.
Narrating the ordeal, Poonacha expressed shock at the aggression directed towards them for conversing in Kannada. The situation worsened as more men joined the confrontation, attempting to snatch Ponnannaa’s gold chain and damaging their car. The attackers allegedly expressed disdain for locals speaking Kannada, indicating underlying cultural biases.
Despite seeking assistance from a nearby police official, identified as Assistant Sub-Inspector Umesh, Poonacha claimed to have encountered apathy and reluctance to intervene. The lack of prompt action from the police further highlighted concerns regarding law enforcement’s response to such incidents.
While the police acknowledged being informed about the incident, they stated that no formal complaint had been filed yet, citing the need for more time from the concerned parties.
This incident underscores broader issues of safety, cultural intolerance, and the need for effective law enforcement measures to address such incidents in Bengaluru. It raises questions about the protection of local language and cultural identity within the city’s social fabric, calling for a thorough investigation and appropriate action to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
Sources By Agencies
