Woman, husband assaulted at sand museum in Mysuru

They are parents of well-known sand artist M.N. Gowri

The parents of well-known sand artist M.N. Gowri were beaten up in a brazen and shocking display of hooliganism by a few youngsters at the famed sand museum, here on Thursday.

The incident occurred around noon when Ms. Gowri’s mother Nagalambika, 55, who was engaged in maintenance of the sand sculptures, rushed out on hearing some commotion. She saw her husband Nanajunda Swamy, 65, being assaulted by three or four youths, all identified as those belonging to a local shop dealing in silk and handicrafts.

When Ms. Nagalambika tried to intervene, the youths assaulted her badly, which was recorded by CCTV camera. Ms. Nagalambika whose face was swollen following the assault, swooned.

While the immediate cause for the assault is not clear, it is suspected that the shopkeepers and their henchmen owing allegiance to a leading politician in the area were envious of the popularity of the museum.

Speaking to The Hindu a shaken Ms. Gowri said she was under pressure ever since the new shop came up as the men in charge were trying to impose terms and conditions on her, one of which was to make it mandatory for those visiting the museum, to visit the adjoining shop as well or vacate the area.

“How can one force tourists to visit a particular shop,” questioned Ms. Gowri. She said she was being threatened and after Thursday’s incident one of the accused warned that “this was only the beginning”.

The sand museum in Mysuru is one of the prime tourist attractions. Ms. Gowri has won accolades for her talent and skills. The museum spread over 13,000 sq ft has 150 sculptures.