Exclusive: ACP allegedly disrupts BDA demolition Drive in Bengaluru's HBR Layout

A demolition drive by the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) in HBR Layout faced unexpected disruption on Wednesday when Banasawadi ACP Umashankar allegedly intervened, halting the operation aimed at reclaiming encroached government land.

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The operation, overseen by Assistant Executive Engineer Vasudev Murthy, targeted properties reportedly usurped by a person named Prabhakar Reddy. BDA officials had secured the necessary permissions to carry out the drive.

According to eyewitness accounts, the ACP arrived at the scene, demanded that the officials visit the station to produce additional documents, and reportedly assaulted the driver of a JCB machine involved in the operation. He is also accused of foulmouthing the assembled crowd and forcefully taking the JCB’s key, effectively stalling the demolition work.

The incident has raised concerns among citizens, who question how a senior police officer could obstruct a lawful government action. The BDA has not issued an official statement.

This incident highlights ongoing challenges in addressing encroachments in Bengaluru, where public officials face opposition even when acting within their legal authority.