Bengaluru: Rowdy-sheeter arrested for assaulting informant

PTI, Sep 17, 2024, 10:28 AM IST

Police officials have arrested rowdy-sheeter Pavan Gowda on Tuesday morning for publicly assaulting and humiliating a young man who had provided information about him to the police. The incident occurred in the Sunkadakatte area of Bengaluru, where Pavan and his associates stripped and assaulted Arjun, a local youth, on the street.

The Kamakshipalya police, acting on a tip-off, arrested Pavan near Ullal, close to Kengeri. During the arrest, Pavan allegedly attacked the police, prompting them to shoot him in the leg to subdue him.

The incident, which occurred several days ago, came to light after a video of the brutal assault was circulated on social media. The video shows Pavan and his associates stripping Arjun and physically assaulting him in public. It is reported that Arjun, in an attempt to save his life, ran a considerable distance without any clothes after being beaten.

Arjun was reportedly an informant for the Kamakshipalya police, which led to Pavan’s rage. Pavan, who lives in the Sunkadakatte area, has a long criminal history, including cases of murder and dacoity registered at Kamakshipalya and Rajagopalanagar police stations. Despite being jailed in the past, Pavan was released on bail and had been evading court appearances while continuing to commit crimes in the area.

Despite multiple complaints from local residents about Pavan’s criminal activities, the police had not taken strict action against him until this latest assault came to light. Pavan and his gang have reportedly been harassing locals, with Arjun being one of the most recent victims after he provided information to the police about Pavan’s activities. Pavan retaliated by dragging Arjun to the street and assaulting him in front of the public.

In addition to the assault on Arjun, Pavan and his gang are also accused of attacking another individual named Vishwas on Sunday. Vishwas had also allegedly provided information to the police about Pavan, leading to his brutal assault.

The disturbing video of the assault on Arjun, reportedly leaked by Pavan’s own associates, has sparked public outrage, questioning the police’s delayed action. West Division DCP Girish confirmed that a case has been registered following Vishwas’ complaint and that strict measures are being taken to apprehend Pavan and his gang. However, it remains unclear why Arjun had not lodged a formal complaint despite the incident occurring a month ago.

The police are now investigating whether Pavan and his associates were involved in other criminal activities in the area. The authorities have vowed to take action against all those involved in the assault and to bring them to justice.