CLEARWATER — A Clearwater man was arrested on Wednesday evening following a domestic disturbance in which he allegedly slapped his wife, telling investigators that he was unaware of Florida laws prohibiting such actions and citing cultural norms from his home country. Manish Chandra Kandakatla, 28, was taken into custody by the Largo Police Department and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery after admitting to the physical altercation.
The incident took place between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on November 25 at the couple’s residence in the Four Lakes of Clearwater apartment complex. According to the arrest affidavit, the dispute began when the victim discovered evidence on Kandakatla’s laptop and cell phone suggesting he was being unfaithful. The argument escalated over possession of the couple’s phones, prompting the victim to retreat into a separate room and close the door to distance herself from her husband. When Kandakatla banged on the door, the victim opened it and asked if he intended to hit her, at which point he allegedly slapped her in the face.
Fearing for her safety, the victim did not immediately contact authorities but waited until the following day, while her husband was at work, to call 911. Officers subsequently interviewed Kandakatla at his place of employment. After being read his Miranda rights, Kandakatla openly admitted to striking his wife, explaining to police that she was yelling too loudly and he was concerned about alerting their neighbors…