A disturbing incident in Bengaluru has sparked widespread outrage after a 55-year-old woman was brutally assaulted in public by a textile shop owner and his employee over an alleged sari theft. The incident, which occurred near KR Market on Avenue Road, was captured on mobile phones by bystanders and later went viral on social media, prompting swift police action.
Following the circulation of the video, police arrested shop owner Umed Ram and his employee Mahendra Seervi. The victim, identified as Hampamma, a native of Guntakal in Andhra Pradesh, was allegedly found in possession of 61 saris valued at Rs91,500.
According to police, Hampamma entered Maya Silk Saris on September 20 under the pretext of browsing. She allegedly took a bundle of saris kept near the entrance and left the shop. The theft was discovered later through CCTV footage, though the shop owner did not immediately lodge a police complaint.
On September 21, Umed Ram reportedly spotted Hampamma near the shop wearing one of the saris. Along with his employee, he allegedly confronted and assaulted her in full public view. Witnesses stated that the woman was slapped, kicked in the chest and abdomen, and dragged along the pavement despite attempts by some bystanders to intervene.
In the viral video, Hampamma is seen apologising for the theft. She reportedly claimed she stole the saris to arrange money for alcohol and alleged that another individual who paid her had taken away the stolen goods.
After the assault, Ram contacted the police helpline and lodged a complaint. Hoysala Police arrived and took Hampamma into custody, registering an FIR against her. She was later arrested, produced before a court, and remanded to judicial custody at Central Prison, Parappana Agrahara.
Following public outrage and protests by pro-Kannada activists outside the shop, police registered a separate case against Umed Ram (44) and Mahendra Seervi (25) under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, citing serious charges related to assault on a woman in public.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) S Girish stated that the FIR against the accused was registered immediately after authorities became aware of the assault through social media and public protests. Senior officers acknowledged lapses in earlier action and emphasized the seriousness of the offence.
The incident has reignited concerns about mob justice, women’s safety, and the need for lawful handling of theft allegations, underscoring the importance of timely police intervention and accountability.
