Bengaluru, July 21: A municipal team faced an attack while removing encroachments from sidewalks in the Shivajinagar area of Bengaluru on Tuesday. Allegedly, some individuals used pepper spray and helmets against the officials, leading to heightened tensions in the sensitive locality, prompting a heavy police presence.
In response to the incident, Bengaluru Urban Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda condemned the attack on municipal officials. He labeled the assailants as “goonda elements” and assured that everyone involved would be arrested.
The incident occurred near the Shivajinagar bus terminal, where the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) was conducting an anti-encroachment drive. According to officials, a group obstructed the operation, assaulted municipal workers, and used pepper spray against them.
The operation began around 9 AM after prior announcements were made in the area. Shortly after, a group attacked the officials. A supervisor from the BBMP reported, “We started the operation after the announcement at 9 AM. We don’t know who those people were. They attacked us and sprayed pepper spray. Senior assistant executive engineers were also assaulted.”
An assistant engineer was reportedly struck with a helmet. The JCB driver involved in the operation claimed he was also assaulted. He stated, “Some people came in a group and asked me to stop working. Later, they sprayed pepper spray and fled.”
According to officials, some activists linked to local organizations had a heated argument with GBA officials and police, which escalated into violence. During this time, municipal engineers and field staff were targeted.
Shivajinagar is already considered a communally sensitive area, prompting senior police officials to arrive promptly at the scene. Additional police forces were deployed as a precaution. The operation was temporarily halted but later resumed under heavy police protection.
Following this, Bengaluru police and senior GBA officials completed the anti-encroachment action around the Shivajinagar bus stand. So far, police have detained 10 individuals in connection with the incident. Another suspect, reportedly linked to a Kannada activist organization, remains at large. Authorities are investigating how he reached the scene and his role in obstructing the government operation.
Minister Krishna Byre Gowda emphasized that the attackers were not impoverished individuals trying to earn a living but rather antisocial elements who assaulted government employees. He stated, “Every person who attacks government employees will be arrested. I have given strict instructions to the police commissioner and GBA officials regarding this matter.”
He also noted that the anti-encroachment actions are being carried out in accordance with Supreme Court directives. “Attacking government employees while enforcing Supreme Court orders is a serious crime. The government stands firmly with officials performing their duties. Those who assault officials will not be spared at any cost,” he added.
The minister mentioned that he is in constant contact with GBA and police officials, keeping a close watch on the situation. A complaint is being filed at the Commercial Street police station, and police are conducting further investigations.
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