Hotel cashier refuses to serve food to couple in Hassan, made derogatory remarks about religion

Cashier in Hassan accused of refusing service and making derogatory religious remarks; police investigate after viral video.

A cashier at a hotel in Hassan district of Karnataka has been accused of refusing to serve breakfast to a couple and allegedly made derogatory comments about their religion.

The alleged incident took place on March 23 around 10 a.m. when the couple, who had admitted their child for treatment at a private hospital in Hassan, visited the hotel on Sampige Road for breakfast.

According to a complaint, when the couple asked for the menu, the cashier allegedly refused to serve them any food. He has been accused of making objectionable remarks against people of a particular religion. He reportedly said that people of that religion marry multiple times, give birth to many children, and are also responsible for wars causing global difficulties.

The couple objected to his comments after which the hotel owner intervened and offered to make the cashier apologise if such statements were made. However, the cashier denied the allegation. Video clips of the argument between the couple and the cashier went viral on social media.

Following the circulation of the video, Sayyed Farid, 40, vice-president of Hassan city unit of the Social Democratic Party of India, filed a complaint at the Hassan Extension Police Station, on March 25.

Based on the complaint, the police registered a case against the cashier identified as Vasu under Sections 295 and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertain to deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings and wounding the religious feelings of any class of citizens.