In a stern action, the Karnataka government has decided to shut down GT Mall which didn't allow an elderly man to enter the mall for seven days wearing a dhoti. The issue also echoed in the Assembly Session on Thursday. A row erupted after a video showing a dhoti- and turban-clad elderly man surfaced online. The incident reportedly happened on Tuesday when septuagenarian Fakeerappa from Haveri district visited the mall along with his wife and son to watch a movie at a multiplex. His son also released a video on the matter.
Informing about the decision, Urban Development Minister, Byrathi Suresh, said, "I checked with the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) commissioner as to what can be done. The government has the powers. Action will be taken against the (G T World) mall in accordance with law immediately and we will ensure that the mall is closed for seven days." Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa said the incident is condemnable. "For every individual self respect and dignity are important, this has been violated, and the government will take action."
To which Speaker UT Khadar said, "Whatever you promised, please do accordingly." "I saw in the media that a youth from the rural area, who is studying here in Bengaluru, when he took his father wearing 'panche' -- which is the traditional attire of Karnataka -- to show him the mall, he was not let in because of the attire. This is highly condemnable and strict action should be taken by the government, which becomes a lesson for all malls," he said.
On Wednesday, a group of farmers protested in front of GT World Mall in Bengaluru, Karnataka alleging that an elderly farmer, who was wearing a 'dhoti', was denied entry to the mall.
