Protestors caned by cops so BBMP can axe 19 trees

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.

Night operation
When questioned about this, Deputy Mayor S Harish claimed to have conducted the auction. "We have conducted the auctions and that is why tree cutters were sent. The orders were issued for overnight cutting of trees because we did not want to cause chaos to traffic in the daytime," he said.

Nothing personal
However, Additional Commissioner for Law and Order Suneel Kumar was not available for comment. When questioned by the city journalists, Commissioner of Police, Jyotiprakash Mirji claimed that the cops were just following instructions.

Funeral march
Those arrested were released at 6 pm. Meanwhile protesters had gathered at various parts of the city to protest the developments. At the Bahsham Circle, where 17 trees were axed, protesters conducted a funeral march carrying pieces of the downed trees and banners."We got stay orders from the HC in the afternoon, but when we showed it they did not stop. We will stay here throughout the night and stop them from cutting any more trees," said a protestor.The deputy mayor said yesterday evening, "The trees will be cut in the night and work on road widening will begin in two days."