Video: Ex-Karnataka MLA smashes man's helmet after he rides through BJP protest

High drama unfolded during a BJP protest outside the Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner’s office as former MLA Rajkumar Patil Telkur confronted a man on a scooter who inadvertently attempted to ride through the middle of the gathering and smashed his helmet on the ground. The incident triggered a heated exchange between the rider and BJP workers and was captured on video.A video of the incident showed BJP workers gathered around the two-wheeler after stopping the rider as he tried to make his way through the protest site.The man was questioned by the protesters, who objected to him passing through the demonstration instead of taking another route.Telkur subsequently approached the spot and became involved in the confrontation. In the video, the former MLA can be seen arguing with the motorcycle rider as the situation grew tense. He then allegedly took the scooter rider’s helmet and smashed it onto the ground during the altercation.The confrontation did not end there. BJP workers also reportedly deflated the air from the motorcycle’s tyres, further preventing the rider from leaving the spot. Several protesters surrounded the vehicle as the exchange continued, while others attempted to intervene and control the situation.The BJP was holding the demonstration to highlight the difficulties faced by farmers and demand relief measures for Kalaburagi, which has been affected by drought conditions.The protest comes against the backdrop of the Karnataka government declaring 101 taluks across the state as drought-hit. Of these, 89 have been classified as severely drought-affected, while 12 have been placed in the moderate drought category.The incident eventually required police intervention. Personnel stepped in amid the confrontation and ensured that the scooter rider was moved away from the protest site, bringing the immediate tension under control.The episode has since drawn attention because of the involvement of a former legislator in the confrontation.While the protest was centred on demands for drought relief and farmers’ concerns, the altercation with the scooter-rider became the focus of the gathering.- EndsPublished On: Sep 2, 2026 16:56 IST