BENGALURU: An Assistant Commissioner of Police in the city has been accused of obstructing Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) from demolishing an alleged illegal structure in HBR Layout. Several local residents are questioning the ACP’s actions, alleging that he was taking sides with those involved in the encroachment of BDA property.
The BDA officials had gone to demolish the illegal structure built by Prabhakar Reddy in HBR Layout area, along with the AEE Vasudevamurthy. However, they were stopped by ACP Umashankar, who allegedly sided with the encroacher. The ACP allegedly warned the BDA officials and said the police had received a complaint and asked both parties to visit the station with documents.
In videos doing the rounds, ACP Umashankar can be seen slapping the operator of a JCB hired by the BDA to demolish the alleged illegal structure for not handing over its keys. The officials were also allegedly abused. The ACP can be heard questioning the BDA officials if they would get a medal for carrying out the task. At one point he can also be heard saying there are orders from the higher-ups and a minister to stop the demolition.
The incident has raised several questions about the ACP’s actions in preventing a civic authority from carrying out its functions.