Bengaluru: A moral policing incident near a lakeside in the outskirts of Bengaluru allegedly escalated into a violent attack on a battery-manufacturing unit, with a mob storming the factory, assaulting several people, vandalising property and allegedly molesting a woman.
The incident occurred on the night of July 26 in the Veerapura Industrial Area near Doddaballapur. Police have arrested eight accused, while efforts are underway to trace the remaining suspects.
Dispute near lake escalates into factory attack
According to police, Aravinda Bharadhwaj, a Rajasthan native who owns the battery-manufacturing unit, was sitting inside his car with a woman friend near KG Kuntanahalli Lake when a group of local men allegedly confronted them and questioned their presence.
The duo left the area and drove towards the industrial estate. During the journey, their car allegedly brushed against a motorcycle, leading to another argument.
Police suspect the confrontation escalated when the group allegedly chased the vehicle to Aravinda’s factory.
Mob allegedly assaulted workers and vandalised property
Investigators said around 30 people allegedly broke open the factory gate and entered the premises armed with machetes, wooden logs and other weapons.
The attackers allegedly assaulted Aravinda, his business partner Anupam Kumar, factory employees and others. They also reportedly damaged surveillance cameras, hurled concrete debris at vehicles and vandalised the factory premises.
Aravinda further alleged that the assailants dragged his woman friend out of the factory, molested her and threatened her before fleeing.
Eight arrested, search on for others
Aravinda sustained injuries to his head, right hand and leg, while Anupam Kumar and several employees suffered minor injuries. All were treated at a private hospital.
The Doddaballapur Rural Police have registered a case against Harsha, Bharath, Sandeep, Timmaraju, Abhi, Latif, and several unidentified persons.
Police said eight accused have been arrested so far, while efforts are continuing to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects. The investigation is ongoing.