Updated on: 21 Jul 2026
AEE Madhav Rao attacked with helmets; pepper spray used on female engineer; BNS 307 (Attempt to Murder) booked against assailants.
BENGALURU : A high-profile anti-encroachment drive under the ‘Safe Footpath Campaign’ turned violent on Tuesday near the Shivajinagar BMTC Bus Stand when a mob brutally attacked engineers of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). The Commercial Street police acted swiftly, detaining 10 individuals in connection with the assault.
The arrested suspects have been booked under Section 307 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for attempt to murder. The police have identified Basavaraj Pudukote, president of the state unit of Karnataka Sene, as the primary accused and have launched a manhunt to apprehend him.
Pepper Spray Used on Female Official, Engineers Hit with Helmets
The incident occurred while GBA Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) Madhav Rao was supervising an anti-encroachment operation on footpaths, following directives from the Supreme Court. A group of miscreants intercepted the drive, obstructing the official machinery and escalating into violence.
According to officials, the assailants attacked AEE Madhav Rao and Assistant Engineer (AE) Gautham using helmets. When female engineer Ruchita attempted to intervene and protect her colleagues, the attackers sprayed pepper spray into her eyes. The mob also targeted the operator of a JCB machine deployed for the demolition work.
Following the assault, the injured officials filed an official complaint at the Commercial Street Police Station. Investigators are relying heavily on CCTV footage and viral videos circulating on social media as primary evidence.
Key Highlights of the Incident:
- Victims: AEE Madhav Rao, AE Gautham, and female engineer Ruchita.
- Location: Near Shivajinagar BMTC Bus Stand, Bengaluru.
- Charges: Case registered under BNS Section 307 (Attempt to Murder); 10 individuals arrested.
- Prime Suspect: Basavaraj Pudukote, President of Karnataka Sene (State Unit).
“Attackers Will Not Be Spared”: Minister Krishna Byre Gowda
Reacting strongly to the incident, Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda warned of strict action. “An attack on public servants implementing Supreme Court orders is completely unacceptable. I have instructed the Police Commissioner and GBA officials to take exemplary action. The government stands firmly behind officers performing their duty as per law,” he stated.
City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar confirmed that video evidence is being analyzed to identify every individual involved. “Obstructing and assaulting officers on official duty is a severe crime. Everyone involved will face arrest,” he assured.
GBA Employees’ Association Demands Strict Protection
Condemning the attack, A. Amruth Raj, President of the GBA Employees’ Association, called for immediate government intervention. “The safety of civic officials carrying out enforcement drives must be guaranteed by the government and the police department,” he urged.
Opposition Hits Out Over ‘Vote-Bank Politics’
The assault has sparked a political row, with Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka launching a scathing attack on the state government. “The government has failed to protect its own officers enforcing the law. Silence and vote-bank politics are encouraging such goondaism in the city,” Ashoka alleged, demanding enhanced security for civic teams.
Despite the violent disruption, GBA officials resumed the clearance operation later in the day under heavy police protection, reiterating their commitment to restoring footpaths for pedestrian use.
