BJP leader’s son, friends caught assaulting toll worker
Toll worker Sangappa was injured in the assault and quickly taken to Sindagi Taluk Hospital for medical treatment, police said.
Karnataka: BJP Leader’s Son, Friends Caught on CCTV Assaulting Toll Booth Worker in Vijayapura
A shocking incident from Vijayapura, Karnataka, has gone viral on social media after CCTV footage allegedly showed a BJP leader’s son and his friends assaulting a toll booth staffer on the Vijayapura–Kalaburagi highway. The video has sparked outrage across the state, raising fresh concerns over the growing arrogance and misuse of power by politically connected individuals.
According to police, the incident took place on Thursday evening at the Kannoli toll plaza, when a group of young men, including Samarthgouda Patil, son of senior BJP leader Vijugouda Patil, allegedly attacked and verbally abused a toll worker after being asked to pay the toll fee.
The CCTV footage, now widely shared online, shows Samarthgouda and his friends stepping out of their vehicle and aggressively confronting the toll booth staffer. Within moments, the argument turns violent. The video captures one of the men slapping and shoving the toll worker while others join in, hurling abuses and threats. Onlookers and other toll employees can be seen rushing to stop the altercation, trying to shield their colleague from further harm.
Police officials identified the injured toll employee as Sangappa, who reportedly sustained injuries during the assault. “He was immediately taken to Sindagi Taluk Hospital for treatment,” an officer said. Sangappa is said to be recovering and is expected to be discharged soon.
Describing the sequence of events, a senior police officer from Vijayapura said, “The accused were travelling from Vijayapura to Sindagi when they were stopped at the toll plaza for payment. When the staffer asked for the toll, Samarthgouda allegedly responded, ‘Do you know who I am? I’m the son of BJP leader Vijugouda Patil.’ When the staffer asked ‘Which Vijugouda?’, Samarthgouda and his friends became angry, started abusing him, and then physically assaulted him.”
The officer added that while the incident has been clearly captured on CCTV, no formal complaint has yet been filed by the toll booth management or the injured staffer. “We are verifying the authenticity of the video and gathering witness statements. Action will be taken as per law once a complaint is received,” he said.
Despite the absence of an official complaint, public outrage has been swift. Many social media users have condemned the act, calling it a blatant example of entitlement and misuse of influence. The video has been shared thousands of times, with demands that authorities take suo motu action even if the toll staff do not file a report.
Locals who frequent the highway described the incident as “deeply disturbing.” One commuter said, “These toll workers are just doing their jobs. It’s shameful that someone would assault them for asking to pay a small toll.” Another local resident remarked that such incidents create fear among ordinary workers and erode public trust in law enforcement.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders have slammed the BJP, demanding accountability from the party leadership. “This arrogance stems from political protection. The government must ensure justice for the victim,” said a Congress spokesperson from Vijayapura district.
The BJP leader Vijugouda Patil, Samarthgouda’s father, has not yet issued a public statement regarding the allegations against his son. Police sources said they are waiting to question him and his family once the preliminary verification of the video is complete.
Toll plaza officials confirmed that they are cooperating with police and have provided CCTV recordings of the incident. A senior official said, “Our employees work long hours, often under stress. They deserve respect, not violence. We stand by our staff and will ensure they get justice.”
As investigations continue, public pressure is mounting for the police to register a case based on the video evidence. Citizens and activists have called for a strict response to send a clear message that no one is above the law, regardless of political connections.
For now, Sangappa is recovering in hospital, and his colleagues are still shaken by the ordeal. What began as a routine exchange at a toll booth has once again highlighted the dangers faced by frontline workers — and the urgent need for accountability and humility from those who wield power.