Bengaluru, July 21: Tension gripped Bengaluru’s Shivajinagar area on Tuesday after officials of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) were allegedly assaulted while carrying out an anti-encroachment drive to clear footpaths near the Shivajinagar Bus Stand. Karnataka Police have arrested 10 people in connection with the attack, while efforts are underway to apprehend the main accused.
According to officials, the GBA team had arrived at the location to remove illegal encroachments from public footpaths as part of the city’s ongoing “Safe Footpath” campaign. During the operation, a group allegedly resisted the drive, turned violent and attacked members of the enforcement team. Assistant Executive Engineer Gowtham was reportedly dragged onto the road and assaulted, while another official, Ruchitha, was allegedly pepper-sprayed. The driver of a tractor and the operator of an earthmover engaged in the operation also sustained injuries and were shifted to a hospital for treatment.
Police responded immediately and arrested ten suspects. Authorities stated that the main instigator is yet to be taken into custody. Senior police officials said the accused have been booked under serious provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including attempt to murder, and further legal action is being pursued. Two special police teams have been formed to trace the remaining accused.
Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a serious assault on government officials performing their lawful duties. He directed the police to take stringent action against those responsible and stated that violence against public servants carrying out Supreme Court-directed civic enforcement would not be tolerated. The minister also indicated that preventive legal measures, including provisions under the Goonda Act against the alleged mastermind, are being considered.
The incident triggered protests by members of the GBA Employees’ Union, who gathered outside the Commercial Street Police Station demanding enhanced security for civic staff. Union leaders warned that employees could suspend official work if all those involved in the attack are not arrested promptly. They also reaffirmed their commitment to continue the anti-encroachment campaign despite the violence.
The attack has sparked widespread concern over the safety of government officials involved in civic enforcement operations. Police have assured that a thorough investigation is underway and that strict action will be taken against everyone found responsible. Meanwhile, the anti-encroachment drive is expected to continue across Bengaluru as authorities work to restore pedestrian access to public footpaths.
