Published Jul 22, 2026 | 2:21 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 22, 2026 | 2:21 PM
Namma Karnataka Sene president Basawaraj Padukote. (Supplied)
Synopsis: Police said Padukote, identified as the main accused, allegedly led the attack on officials who were clearing illegal footpath encroachments. Investigators said he had allegedly gone into hiding after the incident by switching off his mobile phone. Authorities have also stated that he has a criminal background.
Commercial Street Police on Wednesday, 22 July, arrested Basawaraj Padukote, the state president of Namma Karnataka Sene, in connection with the alleged assault on Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) officials during an anti-encroachment drive under the city’s Safe Footpath Campaign in Shivajinagar.
With his arrest, the total number of accused held in the case has risen to 11, police said. The other ten are Ranjit (19), Rangaswamy (49), Basavaraj (28), Kiran (34), Parasuram (27), Parthiban (23), Kottresh (26), Muzaida ahmad (39), Barath (24), Raghu (28).
Police said Padukote, identified as the main accused, allegedly led the attack on officials who were clearing illegal footpath encroachments. Investigators said he had allegedly gone into hiding after the incident by switching off his mobile phone. Authorities have also stated that he has a criminal background.
A case has been registered at the Commercial Street Police Station under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including Sections 109(1), 132, 74, 351(2), 352, 190 and 121(1).
Police said the investigation is continuing
The violence broke out when GBA officials, accompanied by police, were carrying out the encroachment removal drive near Shivajinagar Bus Stand. According to officials, Assistant Executive Engineer Gowtham and other members of the enforcement team were allegedly dragged onto the road and assaulted, while another official, Ruchitha, was reportedly pepper-sprayed during the attack.
(With inputs from Keerthivas)
