BJP leader injured after falling into open drain in Bengaluru, files complaint against minister and officials

A senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader was injured after falling into an uncovered drain in Bengaluru, bringing renewed attention to concerns over the city’s civic infrastructure and public safety.

B Raghavendra Shetty, Convenor of the BJP State Milk Producers Cell, has filed a police complaint at Sanjaynagar Police Station against Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Hebbal MLA Byrethi Suresh and officials of the Greater Bengaluru Authority. He has alleged negligence in the maintenance of public infrastructure that led to the accident.

According to the complaint, the incident took place on the evening of July 17 while Shetty was walking through RMV Second Stage in the Dollars Colony area of Sanjaynagar. Municipal workers had reportedly cleaned the drain earlier that day but left it uncovered without safety barriers or warning signs. Due to poor lighting, Shetty did not notice the open drain and fell nearly six feet into it.

He was rushed to a hospital where doctors confirmed that he had suffered a fracture in his leg. Medical experts said his recovery could take several months and that his mobility has been significantly affected.

In his complaint, Shetty claimed the accident was the result of negligence and inadequate safety measures by the authorities. He has demanded legal action against those responsible.

The incident comes shortly after the Greater Bengaluru Authority launched a drive to remove encroachments from footpaths and roadside areas. However, residents have continued to raise concerns about damaged footpaths, uncovered drains and the lack of basic safety measures across the city.

Bengaluru has witnessed several similar accidents in recent months. In one case, a school student fell into an open drain in Govindapura, while several others have also been injured in related incidents. Police have registered the complaint and started an investigation.