A CCTV video showing Karnataka BJP leader Vijugouda Patil’s son, Samarthgouda Patil, assaulting toll staff at the Kannooli toll gate in Vijayapura district has gone viral, drawing widespread public criticism. The incident occurred when toll staff denied a free pass to Samarthgouda, who identified himself as the son of BJP leader Vijugouda Patil.
According to reports, Samarthgouda Patil was travelling in a black Thar SUV from Vijayapura towards Sindagi on Thursday when the altercation took place. When the toll booth employee asked for the toll fee, Samarthgouda allegedly responded, “Do you know who my father is?” and introduced himself as the son of BJP’s MLA candidate Vijugouda Patil.
The staff reportedly asked, “Which Vijugouda?”, which allegedly angered Samarthgouda. CCTV footage shows him and his friends getting out of the vehicle and slapping a toll worker identified as Sangappa. Other toll employees quickly intervened and stopped the assault. The injured worker was later admitted to Sindagi Taluk Hospital for treatment.
Police confirmed that they are aware of the incident and are verifying the footage. However, no formal complaint has been registered yet by the toll staff. “We will take appropriate action once a complaint is filed,” a senior police officer said.
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Defending his son, Vijugouda Patil claimed that the toll staff were disrespectful and that his son reacted emotionally. “It’s natural for a son to get angry when someone speaks rudely about his father,” he told local reporters, adding that the toll staff should have handled the matter more politely.
Vijugouda Patil has been contesting from the Baleshwar constituency since 2008 but has not yet won a seat. The constituency is currently held by Industries Minister MB Patil.
The incident has sparked public outrage on social media, where many users condemned the abuse of power by political families and demanded strict legal action. The viral video has once again reignited concerns about political entitlement and the lack of accountability among leaders’ kin in Karnataka.
