• Source:JND
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The Karnataka government will shut Bengaluru's GT Mall for seven days following an incident where an elderly man was denied entry for wearing a dhoti.Urban Development and Town Planning Minister Bhyrathi Suresh announced the decision in the Karnataka Assembly on Thursday, after legislators stated that the dignity and self-respect of a person is of paramount importance.

Karnataka Minister Bhyrathi Suresh Suresh stated in the Assembly, ''As per the government laws, the GT Mall will be shut for seven days for denying entry to the farmer into the mall.'' This statement came in response to demands from the BJP and other legislators for strict action against the mall to send a strong message against such discriminatory practices.

The announcement was welcomed by Speaker UT Khader, who urged immediate implementation. Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka insisted on prompt action without waiting for further reports.

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Congress MLA Laxman Savadi intervened, urging the government not to delay by awaiting reports. He called for immediate disconnection of the mall's electricity as per the rule, showing solidarity with the farmers.

A video of the elderly man being refused entry to watch a movie due to his attire went viral on social media, prompting widespread outrage. The man, identified as farmer Fakirappa from Haveri district, was accompanied by his family and was stopped at the mall entrance despite holding valid movie tickets on Tuesday.

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Following the viral incident, the management of GT Mall and the security guard involved issued apologies to Fakirappa and his family. However, police have registered an FIR against the owner and security guard of the mall that barred the farmer from entering the mall.