Daijiworld Media Network - Madikeri (SP)

Madikeri, May 15: There was a fight between some tourists at the scenic Mandalapatti tourist spot in Kodagu district between some tourists and union minister, D V Sadananda Gowda's son, Karthik Gowda, who had hit headlines even in the past.

On Sunday May 3, Karthik Gowda had arrived at Mandalapatti near Madikeri along with wife, mother, and some friends. He had parked his vehicle across the road, blocking traffic. Some tourists who were passing by the road in rented jeeps asked Karthik to move his vehicle aside. There was exchange of words between Gowda and tourists on this occasion and the fight was about to turn physical and the people were pulled and shoved when some others intervened and stopped the quarrel. Reportedly, a gold chain worn by Karthik in his neck snapped during this scuffle.

Kodagu district superintendent of police, Rajendra Prasad, deputy superintendent of police, Sundar Raj, and others rushed to the spot and inquired about the incident. Local BJP leaders too got involved with the task of settling the issue through mediation.

As the road to Mandalapatti is in despicable state, the tourists usually travel by rented jeeps from Abbi Falls Road. Alternatively, they can walk by foot for five km. District superintendent of police, Rajendra Kumar, in the light of the incident involving Karthik Gowda, has banned plying of rented vehicles which do not have permission be run on hire, on this route. Therefore, only vehicles registered for hire are now being allowed by the police. This caught tourists unawares on Monday and caused lot of problems for them.