Five people were arrested after a purported attack on GBA officials in Bengaluru's Shivaji Nagar area during the City of Bengaluru’s Safe Footpath Campaign. The incident happened when city officials were doing enforcement work to remove encroachments and ensure pedestrian safety on public footpaths.
According to officials, the campaign is part of a larger initiative by the Greater Bengaluru Authority to reclaim footpaths from illegal encroachments and improve accessibility for pedestrians throughout the city. The drive has commenced in the city’s busy commercial and residential areas where unauthorized structures and roadside obstructions have made it difficult for people to walk safely.
During the operation in Shivaji Nagar, officials reported resistance from a group of people, police said. Some of the crowd blocked the civic workers and later assaulted GBA personnel who were doing their duty. Police officers on the ground intervened to control the situation and prevent it from becoming more serious.
The police arrested five suspects after the attack and questioned them for investigation. Police are now investigating the sequence of events and the role of each party involved. Any additional action may be taken based on the outcome of the investigation and evidence from the scene, they said.
No major injuries were reported, but some civic officials were said to have received minor injuries during the confrontation. They were treated and the civic operation was halted temporarily before authorities restored order in the area.
The Safe Footpath Campaign has become one of Bengaluru’s most important urban infrastructure projects to create safer, obstruction-free pathways for pedestrians, senior citizens, schoolchildren, and people with disabilities. Civic authorities say illegal encroachment affects not only people walking but also forces them to walk on busy roads, which can lead to accidents.
Officials have always emphasized that footpaths are public spaces that are only meant to be used by pedestrians. Traffic is affected when there are illegal stalls, illegal constructions, and other obstructions, compromising public safety and traffic in several parts of Bengaluru.
Shivaji Nagar is one of Bengaluru’s busiest commercial areas and is packed with pedestrians and traffic throughout the day. With its busy markets, retail stores, restaurants, and transportation connections, enforcement in the area often needs to be done in a coordinated manner with the police.
Police said sufficient security arrangements had been made for the drive due to high footfall in the locality. After the alleged assault, additional police personnel were deployed for the safety of government officials and to maintain law and order during the rest of the operation.
Senior civic officials also condemned the attack, stating that violence against public servants carrying out their official responsibilities cannot be tolerated. They said the administration would carry on the Safe Footpath Campaign across Bengaluru despite isolated resistance.
Residents, traders, and business owners are encouraged to cooperate with civic initiatives to make public infrastructure more efficient and safe and to keep the city safer. Enforcement is done in line with municipal laws and is for the good of all citizens, the officials said.
Urban planning experts have supported such initiatives as the Safe Footpath Campaign, noting that pedestrian-friendly infrastructure is key to sustainable development and inclusive cities. Good quality footpaths encourage walking, reduce reliance on cars for short trips, and improve accessibility for the most vulnerable populations, they say.
Experts have also stressed that enforcement should be balanced with dialogue. Before undertaking large-scale efforts, they recommend that authorities continue engaging with traders and stakeholders to minimize conflict and facilitate smoother implementation of civic projects.
The police are still investigating the alleged attack, using witness accounts, CCTV footage, and other evidence. Anyone who has attacked public officials or obstructed government work is to be punished according to the law, authorities said.
GBA officials who tried to remove encroachments in Shivajinagar were attacked by a mob of 10 people
— Abhi (@_Avykt) July 21, 2026
Now in addition to losing the encroachments, they’ve been arrested on charges of attempt to murd£r pic.twitter.com/t5plVZDRSn
The Greater Bengaluru Authority has also reiterated that the Safe Footpath Campaign will continue to take place in different parts of the city as planned. “We’re focused on reclaiming public spaces and ensuring pedestrian safety as part of our plan,” the administration says regarding how to improve Bengaluru’s urban infrastructure and quality of life.
As the investigation continues, residents are being urged to remain calm, cooperate with municipal agencies, and actively contribute to making Bengaluru's streets safer, more accessible, and better organized for all citizens.
