Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (RJP)

Bengaluru, Jan 24: Tourism minister Sa Ra Mahesh put previous superintendent of police, Tumakuru, Dr Divya Gopinath to embarrassment for stopping him from entering the final rites place at the Math on Tuesday, January 22.

Dr Divya Gopinath was assisting the Tumakuru district administration in security arrangements at Siddaganga Math at that time.

The minister’s high-handedness was witnessed by many people including many political personalities. Several people have condemned minister’s behaviour. 

As per details available, as soon as the mortal remains of Shivakumara Swamiji were taken inside, after the guard of honour, for final rites, the district administration in consultation with the Math officials had prepared a list of dignitaries to be let inside the building which housed the Gadduge. Dr Divya Gopinath, who was overseeing the security, refused to let the minister Sa Ra Mahesh into the building.

"Bloody lady, do you know who I am? I am a minister..." Sa Ra Mahesh reportedly shouted as per a media report. It is said that Dr Divya was hurt by the comments and several other police officials including Tumakuru DC Rakesh Singh came to her rescue.

Dr Divya, who was previously the superintendent of police, Tumakuru, was transferred only a few days ago and she had gone on leave. Following the request by the department, Divya returned from the leave to assist the local administration with security arrangements.

Following the bitter squabble, chief minister H D Kumaraswamy was apprised of the incident and he reportedly told Sa Ra Mahesh to apologise to the officer and advised him not to conduct himself like that.

Later speaking to media persons BJP MLA V Somanna not only confirmed the incident but said that such incident should not have happened. He said he complained to the chief minister about it and the CM asked the minister to apologise to the woman officer.