An elderly man was allegedly denied entry to a shopping mall in Bengaluru because he was wearing a dhoti, a traditional Indian attire. A video of the incident was widely shared on the internet, sparking outrage among social media users. Actress-model Gauahar Khan also reacted to the incident and penned a note in support of the farmer.

Sharing this on Instagram, Gauahar wrote, “This is absolutely shameful! Strict action must be taken against the mall! This is India and we should all be proud of our culture!” Video of the incident.

Farmer Fakirappa was not allowed to enter GT Mall on Magadi Main Road in Bengaluru because he was wearing a dhoti and white shirt. He had gone to the mall with his son to watch a movie and he also had tickets. But the security guard at the entrance of the mall told the elderly man wearing a dhoti that if he wanted to enter the mall, he should wear pants.

On Wednesday, a case was filed against the mall owner and the security guard under Section 126(2) (wrongful restraint) of the Indian Penal Code (BNS). On Thursday, the Karnataka government directed that the mall owner and the security guard be taken into custody. The shopping mall was closed for a week.

Kannada and farmers organisations also protested against the incident on Thursday.