Eatery owner in Mahadevapura pours sambar to protest eviction; FIR lodged

BENGALURU: A bizarre scene unfolded in the tech corridor of Mahadevapura when BBMP marshals, who recently cracked down on footpath encroachers, went back to the spot: An eatery owner protested against the officials by pouring sambar on himself!The incident occurred on ITPL Main Road, near Manipal Hospital, in Whitefield area. The man, who had resumed business along with his wife in their makeshift hotel, lost his cool on seeing BBMP officials who had come to shut down makeshift eateries following complaints about pavements being occupied by vendors. In the video that has gone viral, the man is seen destroying furniture and appliances while hurling expletives at those in power for destroying their livelihood.BBMP officials tried explaining to him that they were only discharging their duty, but the man went about emptying a vessel of sambar (not boiling) over his head while screaming at the officials. Palike officials had conducted a footpath-encroachment drive on ITPL Main Road on July 12 following complaints from people, especially those working in tech-parks, and had cleared all eateries occupying footpaths. On Wednesday, the officials went back to check and found two eateries operating there. While one eatery owner apologised and shut shop, the other man and his wife refused. He was seen slamming the cylinder which was connected to the gas stove and breaking a sink stand placed near the eatery.Complaint registeredBBMP officials registered a complaint and an FIR has been booked against the couple .Dakshanyini K, joint commissioner, BBMP, Mahadevapura Zone, told TOI: "We are clearing footpath encroachments on priority following representations from the people and it is unfortunate that some street vendors are against such drives. We can do our work peacefully only when there is full cooperation and support from the public."She said those evicted from footpaths will be provided with proper vending zones in that area itself soon.