Dhoti-clad Farmer Denied Entry at Bengaluru's GT Mall, Sparks Outrage

Bengaluru: A farmer was denied entry at Bengaluru's GT Mall on Magadi Road sparking widespread condemnation and calls for immediate action. The incident occurred when the farmer, clad in traditional attire—a dhoti—attempted to enter the mall with his son to watch a movie.

According to eyewitnesses, the security guard at the mall gate barred the farmer from entering, allegedly citing his attire as the reason. "You can enter because you're wearing pants, but not because you're wearing a dhoti," the guard reportedly stated, leading to a heated exchange.

The farmer, Fakeerappa said that they wouldn't allow us inside if we wear a dhoti and asked me to wear pants instead.He said, “We are villagers who came from the distant Havery village. How can we change our attire?”

Nagaraj, the farmer's son said, “He is my father. We came to GT Mall to watch a cinema. We arrived here at 6 pm. Security denied us entry, saying he is wearing a dhoti. If they don't allow someone wearing a dhoti, how can we enter the mall? Security mentioned that this is the rule here and suggested we inquire who set this rule. Despite our repeated requests, they did not permit us inside. When we asked the security supervisor at the main gate, he also refused entry if wearing a dhoti.”

The son added, “We dream of watching a cinema in a mall with our parents. If they won't allow us inside, how can we change attire? I have a video of the security supervisor denying entry, but he is also not saying anything clearly.”

Pro-Kannada activist Kuruburu Shanthakumar has vehemently denounced the incident, labeling it as discriminatory and disrespectful towards farmers. He has demanded immediate police intervention against the mall's management, warning of widespread farmer protests across the state if swift action is not taken.

"This act of denying entry to a farmer based on his attire is shameful and unacceptable. It reflects a deep-seated prejudice against our rural communities," Shanthakumar declared in a statement to the press.

The incident has sparked a wave of outrage on social media, with netizens expressing solidarity with the farmer and condemning the mall's actions. The issue has also drawn parallels to a recent controversy where another farmer was denied entry into the metro, highlighting a growing concern over discrimination against rural residents in urban spaces.

Meanwhile, the incident has underscored the need for greater sensitivity and inclusivity in public spaces, prompting calls for systemic reforms to prevent such instances of discrimination in the future.

As the controversy escalates, all eyes are on the authorities for a swift and just resolution to ensure justice for the farmer and uphold the principles of equality and dignity for all citizens.A farmer wearing a dhoti was denied entry into a mall..