A senior Karnataka BJP minister was beaten with a slipper by his own party worker in full public gaze in the well guarded state secretariat, apparently venting his anger on him for not helping him become head of a state owned board or corporation.
The assailant, B S Prasad, a small time civil contractor accosted Housing Minister V Somanna as he emerged out of his room in Vidhana Soudha and hit him with his slipper, police said.
"What have I done to you. Why did you beat me with a slipper?" a stunned Somanna asked Prasad, who entered the secretariat after procuring an entry pass on a recommendation letter by BJP office, saying he wanted to visit the Chief Minister's office.
Angered over the attack, Somanna's supporters rained blows on Prasad, as police personnel took Prasad into custody and whisked him away.
Bangalore City Police Commissioner Jyoti Prakash Mirji asserted "there is no security lapse". He said the accused had gained entry with a valid visitor's pass from the security wing and attacked the minister with his slipper.
Mirji who met Somanna said police would investigate the attack.
"I have met him only twice so far. This seemed to be his second visit to my office. Earlier he had sought a letter of recommendation, which I obliged. But I do not know the reason for the attack", Somanna told reporters later.
Somanna said he did not see any reason for the attack, even as Prasad was heard saying "I can't disclose it".
The minister wanted police to tighten security in Vidhana Soudha.
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