In a bizarre turn of events, the Jayanagar Police have initiated legal action, registering a First Information Report (FIR) against three individuals following an alleged assault. The altercation stemmed from a resident’s protest against the felling of a tree near his home.
The incident unfolded on October 9, around 1:30 p.m., in Jayanagar’s 6th block. Sathish Reddy, a 49-year-old man with ties to a former city councillor, reportedly observed suspects actively cutting a substantial tree adjacent to his property. Concerned by the act, Mr. Reddy confronted the individuals.
According to the FIR, his inquiry quickly devolved into a verbal spat, with the suspects allegedly resorting to abuse. The situation further intensified with the arrival of Ganesh Singh, who identified himself as a social activist affiliated with a political party. Singh is accused of physically attacking Mr. Reddy amidst the escalating argument. When Mr. Reddy’s son intervened to assist his father, he too was allegedly assaulted.
Following the scuffle, the Reddys immediately reported the matter to the forest department, successfully halting the tree-cutting operation, before formally lodging a complaint with the police.
In response to their complaint, the Jayanagar Police have charged the trio under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Sections 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 118 (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace).
Interestingly, Ganesh Singh had previously filed a counter-complaint against Sathish Reddy and his son, alleging assault during a minor disagreement. Singh claimed he possessed official permission to prune the tree, stating it was necessary due to a worm infestation. He asserted that he had notified the forest department, specifying that only hazardous branches were to be trimmed. Singh’s complaint accuses Mr. Reddy and his son of objecting to the pruning and then attacking him with a helmet and a cane.