Bengaluru Inspector Probed for Felicitations Amid Harassment Claims

A Bengaluru inspector was honored at a police station while facing serious harassment allegations. This is a major development following a recent complaint.
By Newsroom | Crime, Bengaluru |

BENGALURU - An inquiry has been ordered into a police inspector following the circulation of a video showing him being felicitated at a police station. The development emerges against a backdrop of serious accusations, including sexual harassment, leveled against the same officer by a woman described as a former 'rowdy sheeter'.

Inspector felicitated by rowdy sheeter at police station in Bengaluru, probe ordered after video goes viral - 1

The crux of the current concern involves a video clip showing inspector Papanna being honored within the premises of a police station. This public display has prompted an official investigation, with the Deputy Commissioner of Police (North), B.S. Nemagoud, stating that a detailed probe is underway and further action will depend on its findings.

Inspector felicitated by rowdy sheeter at police station in Bengaluru, probe ordered after video goes viral - 2

This latest order for an inquiry comes hot on the heels of earlier allegations. In late March 2026, a woman, identified as Yashaswini Gowda (also known as Yashaswini), filed a complaint against Inspector Papanna. She accused him of harassment and inappropriate behavior. The complaint, submitted to the Bengaluru Police Commissioner's office, detailed alleged inappropriate calls and messages. Gowda has reportedly provided chat records and audio clips as evidence to the authorities.

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Inspector felicitated by rowdy sheeter at police station in Bengaluru, probe ordered after video goes viral - 3

The assistant commissioner of police of the Jayanagar subdivision has been tasked with conducting the preliminary inquiry into these harassment claims. Reports suggest the alleged misconduct has persisted for some time, with the complainant claiming repeated calls and messages from the inspector, even after blocking his number. She has accused him of using different phone numbers to contact her and of making suggestive remarks, including calling her "sexy" and expressing romantic interest.

These allegations have reportedly been met with some dismissiveness in the past, according to Gowda's account. She has stated that senior officials previously discouraged her from pursuing action and that her earlier complaints were overlooked. The current situation has intensified scrutiny on the conduct of officers within the department. The outcome of the ongoing investigations is expected to dictate the subsequent measures taken.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Bengaluru Inspector Papanna being investigated?
Inspector Papanna is under investigation because a video showed him being honored at a police station while facing sexual harassment allegations from a woman named Yashaswini Gowda.
Q: What are the specific allegations against Inspector Papanna?
Yashaswini Gowda accused Inspector Papanna of harassment, including inappropriate calls, messages, and suggestive remarks, even after she blocked his number. She claims he used different numbers to contact her.
Q: What evidence has been provided against the inspector?
The complainant, Yashaswini Gowda, has reportedly given chat records and audio clips to the authorities as evidence of the alleged misconduct.
Q: Who is conducting the inquiry into the harassment claims?
The assistant commissioner of police of the Jayanagar subdivision is leading the preliminary inquiry into the harassment claims against Inspector Papanna.
Q: What happened before these new allegations surfaced?
The complainant stated that previous complaints were overlooked and senior officials discouraged her from taking action, suggesting a history of the allegations not being fully addressed.