Corporator out on bail

HS Lalitha, the BJP Corporator from Girinagar ward in South Bangalore who was arrested on the charge of shoplifting on Tuesday, was released on bail on Wednesday. But her party quickly suspended her from its primary membership.

Lalitha’s counsel, CS Nagendra, moved the 9th ACMM court for bail. The judge granted her bail on the condition that she furnish a Rs 25,000 bond, would not destroy any evidence and appear before the court whenever directed. The court adjourned the matter to May 5. Later, authorities at the Central Prison, Parappana Agrahara released her.

Lalitha was arrested by the Upparpet police after the staff at an apparel store in the Sukh Sagar Mall in Gandhinagar caught her shoplifting. She allegedly lifted some salwar tops by wearing one over the other. She is said to have told the police that she had lifted the clothes at the same store earlier too.

Lalitha, a first-time corporator, is suspected to be suffering from kleptomania — the inability to refrain from the urge to steal items for reasons other that personal use or financial gain.
Meanwhile, the BJP suspended her from the primary membership. The BJP City president, Subbanna, released a press statement to this effect.