Thirteen protestors from a group gathered near Sankey Tank area arrested for preventing tree cutting for road widening initiative; 19 trees fall to BBMP axe

The Sankey Tank road widening initiative by the BBMP took a midnight twist when the corporation body sent a truck full of workers to axe the trees. After being spotted by over 40 residents guarding the trees, the workers left. However, that victory was shortlived, as the protestors we in for a painful surprise.


Making a point: Over 500 protestors signed a petition, which was later
submitted at the High Court to obtain a stay order on BBMP's road
widening initiative. Pic. Ramesh HS

Beaten back
Later, the police were called in and they caned the protestors and arrested 13. Many sustained injuries and those arrested were charged for 'obstructing public servants from doing their duty'. Among these, eight including environmentalist Suresh Heblikar were arrested without procuring arrest warrants and they were taken to the High Grounds Police Station. "Five persons including Vinay Srinivas, representative of Hasiru Husiru were arrested and taken to the Vyalikaval Police Station," said S Uma S, a protester from the Resident Welfare Association.