Hubballi, January 7, 2026 – A disturbing video showing a woman resisting arrest by stripping naked and allegedly assaulting police personnel has gone viral on social media platforms, triggering a political controversy in Karnataka's Hubballi-Dharwad region.
The woman, identified as Sujatha Handi (also known as Vijayalakshmi Handi), a BJP worker and former Congress activist, was taken into custody by Keshwapur police on January 5. The arrest stemmed from complaints related to a dispute during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters' list, where she was accused of accompanying Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and facilitating the deletion of voter names.
According to police sources, the incident escalated when a team of women police personnel, including Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), went to arrest her. Sujatha reportedly resisted fiercely, assaulting four women staffers and biting one officer on the abdomen. In a dramatic turn, she removed her own clothes inside the police vehicle.
Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar addressed the media after visiting Keshwapur police station, strongly rejecting allegations that police assaulted or stripped the woman. "She assaulted four of our women staffers and bit one woman officer on her abdomen," he stated. "She stripped herself, and police arranged clothes for her with the help of locals before remanding her to judicial custody." The commissioner added that an internal inquiry is underway to verify all facts, including who recorded and circulated the video.
The Karnataka State Women's Commission has also weighed in, stating they are examining the matter and will recommend action if any police wrongdoing is found.
The episode has roots in political tensions between BJP and Congress workers in Ward 59 of the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC). Congress councillor Suvarna Kallakuntla filed the initial complaint against Sujatha, alleging interference in the voter revision process. BJP leaders have countered by accusing the police of acting under political pressure.
In response, local BJP leaders, including the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, staged a protest in Hubballi's Keshwapur area, demanding the immediate arrest of Congress councillor Suvarna Kallakuntla for her alleged role in escalating the dispute.
District in-charge Minister Santosh Lad has reportedly brought the matter to the attention of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, amid calls for a fair and transparent investigation.
As the video continues to spread widely, authorities have urged the public not to share it further while the probe continues. The incident highlights ongoing frictions during electoral preparations in the region, with both parties trading accusations of voter manipulation and misuse of power.
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