A 70-year-old farmer, Fakeerappa, was refused entry to GT Mall on Magadi Main Road on Tuesday evening due to his traditional attire, a dhoti and white shirt. Accompanied by his son, Nagaraj, Fakeerappa had intended to watch a movie but was stopped by the mall’s security, who cited the mall’s dress code prohibiting dhotis.
The incident, which occurred around 6 pm, has sparked criticism and calls for protests from local farmer unions unless the mall management issues a formal apology. A video recorded by Nagaraj shows the security supervisor explaining that Fakeerappa could enter if he wore pants instead.
Expressing his disappointment, Nagaraj told the media he had hoped to share a movie experience with his father in a multiplex setting. Fakeerappa, who did not receive formal education, voiced his frustration, stating, “How can people from the village let go of our dhoti and come dressed in pants to watch a film?”
Fakeerappa added, “I have got all five of my children educated. They are well-placed now. But I cannot give up my culture, dressing style, and start wearing pants just to go to a mall. It is sad that people feel inferior about our own dressing style and culture in our own state.”
This incident mirrors a similar controversy from February when a viral video showed Bengaluru Metro security personnel allegedly refusing entry to an elderly man due to his “dirty” clothes. The man, carrying a bundle of clothes and wearing a white shirt, was stopped at Rajajinagar metro station, prompting widespread social media backlash.
Sources By Agencies
