Farmer wearing dhoti denied entry into mall in Bengaluru, management apologises

The farmer’s son recorded the conversation in which the security supervisor can be heard saying that the rules of the mall did not allow entry to people wearing a dhoti, and that he would allow the farmer if he wore pants

Updated - July 18, 2024 05:56 am IST - Bengaluru

The alleged incident occurred at G. T. Mall on Magadi Main Road in Bengaluru around 6 p.m. on July 16, 2024.

The alleged incident occurred at G. T. Mall on Magadi Main Road in Bengaluru around 6 p.m. on July 16, 2024. | Photo Credit: Sudhakara Jain

Fakeerappa, a septuagenarian farmer who went to a mall in Bengaluru with his son to watch a movie at a multiplex, was allegedly denied entry owing to his attire — a dhoti and a white shirt. The alleged incident occurred at G.T. Mall on Magadi Main Road around 6 p.m. on July 16.

The alleged incident occurred at G. T. Mall on Magadi Main Road in Bengaluru around 6 p.m. on July 16, 2024. | Video Credit: Special Arrangement

His son Nagaraj recorded the conversation with the security supervisor at the entrance of the mall. The supervisor can be heard saying that the rules of the mall do not allow entry to people wearing a dhoti and that he would allow the farmer if he wore pants.

Speaking to mediapersons later, Mr. Nagaraj said as a son, he wished for his father to watch a film in a multiplex. Mr. Fakeerappa said, “How can people from the village let go of our panche (dhoti) and come dressed in pants to watch a film?”

Mall management apologises

Farmer Fakeerappa, who was denied entry to G.T. Mall for wearing a panche (dhoti), was felicitated after a protest by activists in front of the mall in Bengaluru on July 17..

Farmer Fakeerappa, who was denied entry to G.T. Mall for wearing a panche (dhoti), was felicitated after a protest by activists in front of the mall in Bengaluru on July 17.. | Photo Credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN

Activists from Kannada organisations staged a protest in front of the mall on Wednesday (July 17) morning, with many wearing a dhoti and entering the mall as an act of dissent. The farmer was also brought to the mall, where representatives of the mall’s management apologised to him publicly and felicitated him. Earlier in the day, the security supervisor who did not allow Fakeerappa, also apologised for his actions.

Speaking to a mediapersons on July 17, Mr. Fakeerappa said he was illiterate but knew the value of education. “I have got all five of my children educated. They are well-placed now. But I cannot give up my culture and dressing style and start wearing pants just to go to a mall. Sadly, people feel inferior about our own dressing style and culture in our own State,” he said.

Police were posted at G.T. World Mall on Magadi Main Road in Bengaluru on July 17 after farmers demanded an apology from the management for denying entry to a farmer wearing a panche (dhoti) the previous day.

Police were posted at G.T. World Mall on Magadi Main Road in Bengaluru on July 17 after farmers demanded an apology from the management for denying entry to a farmer wearing a panche (dhoti) the previous day. | Photo Credit: Sudhakara Jain

 

In February this year, a farmer wearing a panche (dhoti) was stopped by security guards from boarding a Namma Metro train despite having a valid ticket. BMRCL dismissed the security supervisor who stopped the farmer.

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