New Delhi: A serious incident of alleged assault has unfolded at the Sunworth Provident Apartment in Kengeri, Bengaluru, sparking tensions and raising questions about inter-community relations. Kannada-speaking residents of the apartment complex allege they were attacked by a large group, estimated to be between 30 and 60, of security guards predominantly from Bihar, Odisha, and Nepal. The incident, which took place around 8:30 PM, allegedly followed a dispute earlier in the day concerning the access procedures for courier deliveries.
Eyewitness accounts describe a violent attack involving sticks and other blunt objects, resulting in injuries to at least four residents. Claims of stolen mobile phones and a laptop have also surfaced. One resident recounted the events, describing being attacked while leaving the apartment complex with his family. He presented medical reports from Raja Rajeshwari Medical Hospital to corroborate his claims of serious injuries.
The security guards, employed by Tyco Security, offer a contrasting account. They claim that the incident stemmed from an earlier altercation with a delivery boy, where a phone was stolen. They maintain that the subsequent evenings event was a minor quarrel, involving only pushing and shoving, and vehemently deny using excessive force or assaulting anyone.
A significant point of contention arises from the perceived ethnic and linguistic dimension of the conflict. The allegations of assault target security guards who primarily spoke Hindi, leading to claims that the attack was motivated by the victims’ Kannada-speaking background and perceived cultural differences. This perception has further inflamed tensions in the area.
The delayed police response and the initial delay in filing a First Information Report (FIR) fuelled outrage among local residents and raised concerns about the fairness and efficiency of law enforcement in addressing the incident. The incident underscores the complexities of inter-community relations and the need for effective communication and conflict resolution mechanisms to prevent future escalations. The ongoing investigation is expected to shed further light on the precise sequence of events and determine the extent of culpability on all sides.