BBMP marshals reportedly work on a contract basis with private companies

Questions pertaining to the legality of such actions have emerged

There was widespread outrage among netizens over the video

A disturbing video has emerged from the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) shopping complex in Jayanagar 4th Block in Bengaluru. In the video that has now gone viral, a Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) marshal is seen manhandling an old man selling bags. The BBMP marshals reportedly work on a contract basis with private companies. The footpath vendors have complained about being harassed by the marshals. Their products are apparently confiscated and kept in godowns. Questions pertaining to the legality of such actions have emerged. Whether the BBMP marshals have an authority similar to police officials is yet another query among the complainants. Such incidents are being said to be recurrent occurrences. 

The old man seen in the video isn’t invading any space but attempting to sell bags in a public yard. There was widespread outrage among netizens over the video. 

This comes in light of footpaths having been cleared in Jayanagar over one year back. This has increased the vulnerabilities of vendors reliant on them. At a time when proclamations of “Brand Bengaluru” are being made, questions about inclusivity and inequality should also be addressed.

BBMP Bulshit Marshals troubling to footpath vendors in jayanagar Bangalore pic.twitter.com/lxETjOPba8

— Ahmed Pasha (@AhmedPa92794538) March 25, 2024