Minister Krishnabhaira Gowda Condemns Shivajinagar Attack as Police Detain Seven Suspects
Seven people have been taken into custody after officials were attacked during a footpath clearance drive with authorities promising strict legal action against everyone involved in the violence.
The assault on civic officials during a footpath encroachment removal drive in Bengaluru’s Shivajinagar has triggered a strong response from the Karnataka government. Urban Development Minister Krishnabhaira Gowda condemned the attack, describing those responsible as anti social elements rather than people struggling to earn a livelihood.
The incident took place during an enforcement operation carried out by officials to remove illegal encroachments from public footpaths. According to authorities, members of local groups allegedly attacked civic personnel while they were performing their official duties, disrupting the operation and prompting immediate police intervention.
Reacting to the incident, the minister said violence against government officials carrying out lawful responsibilities cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. He stressed that the operation was being conducted in compliance with directions issued by the Supreme Court and that any attempt to obstruct it through force amounts to a serious violation of the law.
Krishnabhaira Gowda stated that the government stands firmly behind officers discharging their public duties. He added that he has instructed both the police and civic authorities to ensure every individual involved in the attack is identified and arrested. According to the minister, strict legal action will be taken to send a clear message that such incidents will not be tolerated.
The minister also said he has been continuously monitoring the situation through regular communication with police officials and civic authorities. He emphasized that coordinated action is being taken to deal with the incident and ensure similar attacks do not occur in the future.
Meanwhile, Bengaluru East Deputy Commissioner of Police Vikram Amte confirmed that seven people have been taken into custody in connection with the assault. He said the incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Commercial Street Police Station during the footpath clearance operation.
Police registered a First Information Report based on a complaint filed by Assistant Executive Engineer Madhav Rao. Investigators have also announced the formation of a special team to conduct a detailed probe into the case and identify any additional individuals involved in the violence.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police further stated that authorities will examine whether civic officials had sought additional security before carrying out the operation. He reiterated that no one has the right to take the law into their own hands and warned that every person found responsible for the attack would face legal consequences without exception.
The incident has once again highlighted the challenges faced by civic authorities while carrying out enforcement drives in busy urban areas. Government officials maintain that public servants must be allowed to perform their duties without fear or intimidation, while police continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
With arrests already underway and the investigation expanding, authorities say they are determined to ensure accountability and reinforce the rule of law during future civic operations across the city.
