Bengaluru, Karnataka – Police have arrested Basavaraj Padukote, the state president of Namma Karnataka Sene, in connection with the assault on Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) officials during a footpath clearance drive in Shivajinagar. Padukote is considered the main accused and is the eleventh person to be arrested in the case.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, during an ongoing anti-encroachment drive aimed at reclaiming pedestrian spaces. The operation, part of the state’s “Safe Footpath” campaign, was being conducted in compliance with a court order.
According to reports, a group of individuals, allegedly led by Padukote, obstructed the GBA officials, including Assistant Executive Engineer Madhav Rao, and physically assaulted them. Some reports indicate that a spray was also used against the officials.
Escalation During Encroachment Drive
The GBA officials were engaged in clearing footpath encroachments near the Shivajinagar Bus Stand when the confrontation took place. The drive, which had been ongoing for approximately twelve days, aims to remove unauthorized vendors and temporary structures that obstruct pedestrian movement.
Eyewitness accounts and video evidence suggest that the group actively resisted the officials, leading to a physical altercation. Madhav Rao was reportedly slapped, pushed to the ground, and assaulted with objects like a helmet and a plastic chair. Other officials and drivers of machinery were also allegedly targeted.
The police responded swiftly, detaining several individuals at the scene. The Commercial Street Police Station registered a case, and the arrested individuals have been booked under Section 307 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to attempt to murder. The total number of arrests has now risen to eleven, with authorities continuing efforts to identify and apprehend any other individuals involved.
Government Condemns Attack, Vows Continued Action
The assault on public servants carrying out their official duties has drawn strong condemnation from the Karnataka government. Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda stated that such actions would not be tolerated and emphasized that the government stands firmly with its officials.
“Assaulting public servants while they are implementing the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court is a serious violation of the law,” Gowda said, adding that stringent action would be taken against all responsible. He also directed the police to initiate proceedings against Padukote under the Goonda Act, suspecting his involvement in inciting street vendors and potentially collecting protection money.
The Minister affirmed that the footpath clearance drive would continue across Bengaluru, undeterred by violence or intimidation. He commended the officials for their courage despite the challenges they faced during the operation.
The police commissioner, Seemanth Kumar, confirmed that the assault was captured on video, which is being used as key evidence in the investigation. He assured that all participants in the assault would be apprehended.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by civic authorities in enforcing regulations and removing encroachments, particularly when met with resistance from organized groups or affected parties.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Safe Footpath Campaign is a broader initiative by the state government to ensure the safety and accessibility of pedestrian pathways across the city, addressing long-standing issues of unauthorized occupation and public nuisance.
The Chenab Times News Desk