GBA Officials Attacked During Shivajinagar Encroachment Drive Resume Action Under Police Security
Greater Bengaluru Authority engineers faced an alleged attack during a footpath clearance operation in Shivajinagar, but the team returned with police protection and continued removing illegal encroachments.
A footpath removal drive in Bengaluru’s Shivajinagar area turned tense after Greater Bengaluru Authority officials were allegedly attacked while carrying out their duties. Engineers were reportedly assaulted with helmets and a woman officer was sprayed with pepper spray during the operation, leading to strong political reactions across the state.
According to officials, the incident took place when the GBA team arrived to remove illegal structures blocking public footpaths. A group of people allegedly gathered at the spot and attacked Assistant Executive Engineer Madhav Rao and Assistant Engineer Gautham using helmets. The attackers also allegedly sprayed pepper spray on woman engineer Ruchita and attempted to target the driver of a JCB machine involved in the clearance work.
Following the incident, the affected officials approached Commercial Street Police Station and filed a complaint. Videos of the alleged attack later circulated on social media, increasing public attention and political criticism over the safety of government employees during official operations.
Despite the attack, GBA officials resumed the encroachment removal drive later in the day with heavy police security. The operation was conducted in the presence of senior police officers, with GBA officials led by Central City Corporation Commissioner Jagadish and GBA Union President Amruth Raj.
During the renewed operation, authorities removed remaining illegal shops and structures using JCB machines and cleared the occupied footpath areas. Officials continued the drive despite the earlier confrontation and completed the clearance process with additional security arrangements.
The incident also triggered criticism from opposition leaders. Karnataka Assembly Leader of Opposition R Ashoka targeted the state government over the attack and questioned the law and order situation in Bengaluru.
In a statement shared on social media, Ashoka alleged that the government was failing to protect officials performing legal duties and demanded strict action against those responsible. He also questioned why action against illegal encroachments had become difficult in certain areas and urged authorities to ensure safety for government personnel.
The attack has renewed discussions about the challenges faced by civic officials during anti encroachment operations in Bengaluru. Authorities are now focusing on completing clearance activities while ensuring stronger security measures for future drives.
