Main Accused Basavaraj Padukote Arrested in Shivajinagar Attack on GBA Officials; Total Arrests Reach 11
Bengaluru, July 22: Police have arrested Basavaraj Padukote, identified as the prime accused in the assault on Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) officials during a footpath encroachment clearance drive in Shivajinagar, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 11.
Commercial Street Police arrested Basavaraj after launching a search following Tuesday’s attack on officials engaged in the clearance operation. Police had earlier arrested 10 other accused in the case.
According to police, Basavaraj allegedly led the group that attacked GBA officials using pepper spray and other objects during the drive. Video footage from the incident purportedly shows officials being pushed and assaulted while carrying out their duties.
Before his arrest, Basavaraj released a video on social media claiming the confrontation occurred after officials attempted to remove a Kannada flagpole and a Ganesh idol near the Shivajinagar bus stand. He denied attacking officials and said he would surrender before police. However, police traced and arrested him before he surrendered.
Investigators said Basavaraj, a resident of the Varthur police limits, is associated with an organisation called Namma Karnataka Sene. Police are also verifying his criminal background and examining cases registered against him at different police stations.
Police said 11 accused are being questioned and further arrests are possible after examination of CCTV footage and other videos. The investigation is also focused on identifying others involved in the assault.
A case has been registered on the complaint of an Assistant Executive Engineer. Police have invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including the offence relating to attempt to murder, along with other charges linked to assaulting and obstructing public servants. The investigation is continuing.
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