Karnataka minister Somanna apologises after viral video shows him slapping woman

Karnataka minister V Somanna apologised on Sunday after he allegedly slapped a woman who approached him with a plea to redress her grievance.

The incident, the video of which went viral on social media, took place when the housing and infrastructure minister was participating in a property document distribution ceremony at Hangla village in this district.

During the ceremony on Saturday, the woman, later identified as Kempamma, approached the Chamarajnagar district incharge minister reportedly pleading with him to allot a plot. The minister turned angry after he was shoved due to the unruly crowd and allegedly slapped her.


"This incident is not an incident at all. I have been in politics for the past 40 years. This was a programme organised for the downtrodden and economically weaker section of the society. Though I did not misbehave at all but if anyone felt hurt then I apologise and express my regret," he said in Chamarajanagar.