Video: Karnataka MLA waves gun to Dhurandhar song at family event, row erupts

A wedding celebration in Karnataka has snowballed into a political controversy after a Congress leader was seen dancing with what appeared to be a gun and later posing with it at a family function, prompting a police probe and a sharp political backlash.

The video, which surfaced on social media, shows Afzalpur Congress leader Mateen Patel at a resort event in Kalaburagi, holding a firearm while dancing to music. Patel is known to be a close aide of Congress MLA MY Patil.

‘IT’S A FAKE TOY,’ SAYS PATEL

As the clip went viral, Patel denied that he had used a real weapon and insisted that the incident was being given a political colour.

“There was a program of my elder sister's daughter. There were members of our family in that program. In that resort, they gave me a role in a Dhurandhar film,” Patel said.

“By taking toys from home and being requested by my children, I went on stage and played a role. It's like a serial. It's a fake toy,” he added.

Calling it a family affair blown out of proportion, Patel said, “There was a program for a family function in a resort. The police department has also enquired. They have also checked and given a report.”

He maintained that the prop was brought from home and used only as part of a staged act during the celebration.

POLICE VERIFICATION UNDER WAY

Kalaburagi Superintendent of Police Sharanappa SD confirmed that the police have taken note of the viral video and initiated a verification process. “In connection with one viral video which is circulating on social media, I have already initiated and issued instructions to the local police to verify in detail what are the weapons are being used in the reel which is being circulated and also in what context the viral video was made,” the SP said.

“Definitely, there will be an action in connection with the concerned viral video,” he added.

The police have not yet clarified whether the object seen in the video was a licenced firearm, an imitation weapon or a toy, and whether any legal provisions have been invoked.

The episode has triggered a fresh political flashpoint in the state, with the optics of a ruling party leader handling what appears to be a gun at a public function drawing scrutiny. While Patel insists it was a harmless prop used during a family skit, the viral footage has fuelled debate over public conduct and the message such displays send.

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