BBMP officials roughed up while removing flex

Civic officials who went to remove illegal flexes and hoardings were roughed up by a crowd of 40 people, said to be the supporters of a Congress MLA, following which a case was booked by the Ramamurthy Nagar police.

Police said that Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials were continuing their drive against unauthorised flexes and banners in the city on Thursday when about 30 to 40 members, who claimed to be the supporters of a Congress MLA, roughed up the officials, including a collection officer, assistant revenue officer and also contractors,
in Mahadevapura constituency.

The Ramamurthy Nagar police booked a case under IPC (353) for obstructing public servants from discharging duties.

Crackdown on printers

Dr Ashok, joint commissioner, East zone, BBMP, told DH they will begin crackdown on illegal printing shops in their zone.

A day after being pulled up by the Karnataka High Court, the BBMP officials had removed 18,671 unauthorised flexes and banners in eight zones.

The drive, against the backdrop of the incident in Ramamurthy Nagar, has brought to fore the difficulties faced by the officials as well as the fact that legislators need to take the first step in checking the flex menace.

Rajajinagar MLA Suresh Kumar said it was up to the politicians to put an end to the practice. “We are the lawmakers and we should obey the law of the land. Misusing public space for personal publicity is not good,” he said.

Jayanagar MLA Soumya Reddy said supporters often erect flexes and banners without their knowledge. “It is important to educate people that flex materials are harmful to the environment,” she said.

M K Gunashekar, Jayamahal ward corporator, said officials should be more stringent in removing the banners as they have the support of the commissioner. “Why do they not take any action if their seniors are with them?” he said.