Bantwal: BJP expels panchayat VP for indecent behavior with woman, video goes viral

Mangalore Today News Network

Bantwal, May 13, 2025: A disturbing incident in Idkidu village of Bantwal taluk, Dakshina Kannada district, has sparked widespread outrage after a panchayat vice-president allegedly exposed himself in public during a confrontation with a woman.

The accused, Padmanabha Sapalya, was promptly expelled from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after a video of the incident went viral. According to police reports and local sources, the confrontation arose over a dispute related to road access.

The woman involved in the incident told police that she confronted Padmanabha about the installation of a gate that blocked the only access route to her home. While recording the dispute on her phone, she alleged that Padmanabha pulled down his shorts and exposed himself in an obscene and threatening manner.

She explained in her complaint that she had been working on her nearby plantation when she heard construction noises. Upon approaching the site and witnessing the installation of the gate, she began filming the incident. It was then, she stated, that Padmanabha resorted to indecent behavior.

The woman has filed a formal complaint with the Vittal police station, seeking legal action.

In response to public backlash and to safeguard the party’s reputation, BJP Puttur Rural Mandal president Dayananda Shetty Ujremaru announced Padmanabha Sapalya’s expulsion from the party’s primary membership. He also confirmed that the party has directed him to resign from his role as panchayat vice-president.

“This behavior is condemnable and a serious affront to the dignity of women. The BJP has zero tolerance for such misconduct,” Shetty stated.

The video has been widely shared on social media, drawing strong criticism and renewed calls for stringent action against those involved in public indecency and harassment.