PURI: A tourist couple from Mysore in Karnataka was allegedly manhandled by employees of a hotel in Puri on Wednesday night. The woman, who is seven months pregnant, claimed she was injured after being pushed against a table.
The hotel management, on the other hand, claimed that its staff members were assaulted by the tourists.
According to reports, a group of 13 tourists from Mysore had come to Puri. On Wednesday evening, Bharat and Susmita, along with the group, went to the hotel, ‘The Taste of Bengal’, for dinner. The couple said they found a strand of human hair in the food and asked the restaurant staff to replace the dish.
Police sources said the hotel staff claimed the tourists refused to pay for the entire group, while the couple asserted that the restaurant operator demanded payment for a fresh dish. An argument broke out between the tourists and the manager, which escalated into a fight inside the restaurant, prompting other customers to leave.
Susmita alleged that the hotel staff pulled down the shutter and assaulted them.
She said she was pushed and fell against a dining table.
Locals heard the commotion and informed the police, who reached the spot and rescued the couple. They were subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.
Employees of the hotel lodged a complaint against the couple at Sea Beach police station, alleging assault. The couple also lodged a counter-complaint.
Puri SP Prateek Singh said the incident appeared to have occurred due to a lack of communication caused by a language barrier. “The behaviour of both parties was not gentle. Investigation is underway,” the SP said.