Coffee row at Bengaluru airport: 3 policemen suspended after ‘midnight assault’ on canteen staff

The complainant stated that due to language difficulties, a Hindi-speaking staff member informed the officers that a coffee token was required before serving. This reportedly angered one of the officers, Gangaraju, who allegedly questioned why he should take a token and began verbally abusing the staff.

The FIR further alleges that Gangaraju wrongfully restrained a worker and punched him on the face and shoulder, causing pain and injuries. When other staff members, Rajesh and Dildar, intervened to rescue their colleague, they too were allegedly assaulted and threatened.

The complaint also states that the police personnel allegedly attempted to forcibly close the hotel gate, created a disturbance inside the premises, and intimidated staff members, causing fear among customers present at the time. The incident allegedly led to disruption of business and financial loss.

The injured workers were later taken to Devanahalli Hospital for treatment.

Based on the complaint, a case was registered against the three personnel under sections 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 115(2) (rash and negligent act endangering human life), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Following the registration of the FIR, the police commissioner ordered their suspension pending further inquiry.