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

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

The alleged incident occurred on March 23 around 10 a.m. when the couple, who had admitted their child for treatment at a private hospital in Hassan, visited a 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 stated 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 circulation of the video, Sayyed Farid (40), a resident of Hassan and vice-president of Hassan city unit of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), filed a complaint at the Hassan Extension Police Station, on March 25.

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