In a disturbing incident in Haveri, civic worker Raju Doddamani was viciously assaulted inside a local bar on Saturday evening, allegedly by a group led by transgender person Akshata KC and Shantu Koravar. The attackers used cricket bats, rods, beer bottles, and sticks, leaving Raju seriously injured. He was rushed to KMC-RI Hospital in Hubballi for advanced treatment after losing consciousness.

According to police, the conflict stemmed from the removal of an unauthorised birthday banner on June 7, as per the CMC Haveri commissioner’s directive. The attackers reportedly targeted civic workers intentionally. A prior confrontation had already taken place when Akshata KC allegedly entered the municipal premises partially undressed and issued threats to workers.

Later, Raju and another civic worker Feerappa Shirabadagi were physically attacked. The situation escalated when the group stormed the Lakshmi Venkateshwara Bar, where Raju was with friends, and launched a brutal assault. The attack was captured on CCTV and recorded by the perpetrators, with the video later surfacing on social media.

The Haveri Town Police have arrested seven individuals, including Shantappa Koravar, Arjun Koravar, Pratham, Pakiresh Koravar, Mukesh Patel, Prajwal, and Ganesh. Investigations are ongoing to trace additional suspects.

Outraged by the violence, municipal workers staged a protest outside the police station demanding swift justice. Haveri SP Anshu Kumar Srivastava confirmed that more arrests are likely and that strict legal action will follow.