A violent attack occurred in Doddaballapura, approximately 50 km north of Bengaluru, after an alleged act of moral policing escalated out of control. A group of youths allegedly chased a businessman and his female friend from a lakeside to a battery manufacturing unit, storming the factory, assaulting the couple with deadly weapons, vandalising property, and molesting the woman. According to police, the incident occurred on the night of July 26 in Bashettihalli Industrial Area under the jurisdiction of Doddaballapura Rural Police Station.
Aravinda Bharadhwaj, a Rajasthan native who operates a unit in Veerapura Industrial Area, was sitting inside a car and talking with a female friend near K.G. Kuntehalli lake when a group of locals allegedly confronted them and questioned why they were there. The situation quickly turned violent as the duo left the spot and drove towards the industrial area, with their car allegedly brushing against a motorcycle, triggering an argument.
Enraged, the group allegedly pursued the car to the industrial area. Around 30 persons allegedly barged into the manufacturing unit after breaking open the gate, pelted the car with cement blocks, damaged CCTV cameras and other property, and assaulted Aravinda, his business partner Anupam Kumar, employees and others with machetes, clubs and knives. Aravinda sustained injuries to his head, right hand and leg, while Anupam Kumar suffered knife injuries and multiple abrasions.
Several employees sustained minor injuries. Aravinda is undergoing treatment in a private hospital. Based on Aravinda’s complaint, Doddaballapura Rural Police registered a complaint under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against Harsha, Bharath, Sandeep, Timmaraju, Abhi, Latif, and others.
Police have taken four accused into custody and are trying to trace the remaining suspects.
